Greasley Parish Council Writes to Government Over Local Government Reorganisation

The letter, accompanied by a detailed supporting report, follows the Council’s Extraordinary Meeting and raises our concerns about proposals which could see the existing Greasley Parish divided between two new unitary authority areas, with particular concern surrounding the future of Watnall.

It is important to clarify that the potential unparishing of Watnall has not been confirmed by Government. This is currently Nottingham City Council’s interpretation of Government guidance relating to the reorganisation proposals. Greasley Parish Council has not been provided with, or had sight of, the guidance on which this interpretation is based, and we are therefore seeking clarity directly from Government as part of our representations.

Our message to Government is clear: Greasley is an established community and we want it to remain together.

The Council has asked Government to consider three outcomes, in order of preference:

1. Keep the whole of Greasley Parish within one unitary authority, respecting the existing parish boundary.
2. If this cannot reasonably be achieved, retain Greasley Parish in its entirety, allowing Greasley Parish Council to continue representing residents across the two new unitary authority areas.
3. If neither option is possible, ensure Watnall remains parished, with appropriate arrangements put in place so that residents continue to benefit from parish-level representation.

Parish councils are the most local tier of government, and Greasley Parish Council provides and supports a wide range of services directly within our communities. This includes parks and green spaces, play facilities, allotments, community facilities, events, local projects, environmental improvements, grants and support for community organisations, alongside representing residents on issues affecting the parish.

Our concern is therefore not simply about where a line is drawn on a map. It is about protecting local identity, representation and the ability of communities to have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting them.

Copies of the Council’s representations are also being sent to relevant Members of Parliament, asking for their support in ensuring Greasley’s position is properly considered by Ministers.

The final arrangements for Local Government Reorganisation have not yet been determined, and Greasley Parish Council will continue to engage constructively with the process.

We recognise that LGR is complicated and that the different proposals, boundaries and tiers of local government can be difficult to follow. We will therefore continue to provide updates to residents whenever we have confirmed information to share.

Whatever the eventual outcome, Greasley Parish Council will continue to advocate strongly for the communities we represent and for the best possible outcome for residents across Greasley, including Watnall.