It is with regret that the Parish Council has recently accepted the resignation of Councillor Gareth Sargeson, who is stepping back from his role due to work and family commitments.

Gareth says that he has enjoyed what the Council has done over the last year and believes it is in a much better place than it was when he first joined. While willing to help out when he can, Gareth says, “I just cannot commit the time to the main body of work required. I don't like doing things if I can't commit 100%. I hope in the future this will change when my children are older and I may be able to give it another go”.

Part of Gareth's remit while serving on the Council has been his work on plans for the enhancement of the children's playground at the Village Hall Playing Fields, sourcing potential funding, as well as canvassing pupils at the village school for their (very important) views. Says Gareth “I am still working on the playground project in the background and hope that this will be done soon”.

Dean Culshaw, chair of the Council, said "I'm sure I echo the whole Parish Council when I say that we are sorry to lose Gareth from the Council, his enthusiasm and no nonsense approach was welcome and refreshing. I would like to thank Gareth from a personal point of view for stepping up at a very important time for the Parish Council and shouldering some big issues. He will be missed, but we thank him for his service and wish him well spending more time with his family."

The vacancy has now been advertised on the parish noticeboard in the centre of the village and will be filled either by an election or co-option. For there to be an election a request will have to be made, in writing, by October 2nd, signed by ten electors of the parish, addressed to the Proper Officer, North Yorkshire Council, Civic Centre, St Lukes Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 2AE, or via email -please click here. If an election is called, it will take place no later than December 4th 2025.

Anyone interested in becoming a councillor should email the clerk, please click here.