A council of quality (From Gazette Series)

A council of quality

COUNCILLORS in Cam were celebrating this week after the parish council became the first in Gloucestershire to be awarded quality status.

At a presentation ceremony held this week chairman Cllr Dennis Andrewartha said it was an achievement the whole council should be proud of.

He said: "This is very exciting for Cam. They can never take this away from us.

"We have worked hard since July 2003. Councillors have used their individual skills and experience to make it a reality."

The Quality Town and Parish Council Scheme was launched in 2003 as a Government initiative to encourage excellence among the first tier of local government such as parish and town councils.

To achieve quality status a parish council has to complete seven criteria including a clerk with professional qualifications. A council must also demonstrate effective communication, it must adopt a code of conduct and must produce an annual report.

Stephen Wright, chairman of the Accreditation Panel for the Quality Town and Parish Council Scheme, offered words of encouragement to Cam Parish Council as he presented the award.

He said: "Parish and town councils have been dismissed as the lowest form of council but no more. You are a quality parish council and as such you can go forward and flourish.

"As a council you engage with the local community and that is important.

"Cam Parish council is making a difference to the lives of the people who live in its parish."

Stroud District Council chairman Cllr Sybil Bruce, also attended the presentation ceremony to lend her support.

She said: "It is a wonderful night for you. Congratulations one and all on such a great achievement."

Since its launch in 2003 the quality scheme has awarded 230 councils across the country with quality status but Cam Parish council is the first within of Gloucestershire to receive such an accolade.