Greasley Parish Council Opposes Possible Dissolution

Greasley Parish Council unequivocally opposes Broxtowe Borough Council’s proposal to dissolve Greasley Parish as part of the ongoing Community Governance Review (CGR). In this proposal, they intend to divide our area between four other parishes, including Eastwood and Kimberley Towns. This recommendation was approved by Broxtowe Borough Council on May 23, 2024, as part of an ongoing Community Governance Review (CGR), and is currently open for its final round of consultation.

Under the proposed changes, Larkfields would join Nuthall Parish, a small western area would join Brinsley Parish, Watnall would become part of Kimberley Town, and the remainder of Greasley Parish would be absorbed by Eastwood Town.

If implemented, these changes would mark the end of Greasley Parish as it has stood for over 100 years and of its ability to make decisions for its residents, who would lose their voice. How Greasley’s assets, services and staff would be split amongst these other parishes has not yet been explained but may lie behind the attractiveness of this proposal to the other parishes that will gain management of them.

Earlier this year, Greasley Parish Council held a public consultation to gauge resident sentiment. The overwhelming majority of attendees expressed a desire to retain the current parish structure, with only minor boundary adjustments to reflect recent developments. This feedback was formally communicated to Broxtowe Borough Council on March 11, 2024. Despite these concerns, the Governance, Audit and Standards (GAS) Committee recommended proceeding with the dissolution of Greasley Parish.

We firmly believe that this proposal threatens to erode the unique identity and community ties that have long defined Greasley. Splitting the semi-rural parish between the more suburban Eastwood and Kimberley areas would undermine community cohesion and reduce the quality of services available to all affected residents.

Greasley Parish is home to vital green belt land and open countryside, areas which we have committed to protecting against inappropriate development. The Parish Council also manages key community assets, including two parks, 36 allotments, and the Greasley Sports and Community Centre (GSCC), which serves as the only Council-run hub for fitness, community activities, and healthcare services in North Broxtowe – especially following the closure of the Kimberley Leisure Centre.

The GSCC hosts a Sports Hall, Parish Hall and Committee Room, all of which are regularly used by social clubs, healthcare providers, and other community groups. 33 groups and clubs currently call this Centre home, not including seasonal sports teams or ad-hoc community group bookings. The centre, along with the many events organized by the Parish Council – such as the Christmas Cracker, Greasley Gathering, and the Warm/Social Hub – plays a critical role in the well-being of residents not only in Greasley but also in neighbouring areas as far as Kimberley, Nuthall, Eastwood, Brinsley, Jacksdale, and Selston. The Parish Council has successfully built, maintained, and improved GSCC for 40 years, demonstrating a proven track record in managing and protecting this vital community asset.

Greasley Parish holds a profound connection to the literary legacy of D.H. Lawrence, one of England’s most celebrated authors, whose formative years were deeply intertwined with the landscapes and communities of our area. The parish encompasses key locations that inspired his works, preserving a unique cultural heritage that is recognized and cherished by literary enthusiasts worldwide. Should Greasley Parish be dissolved, this rich historical connection risks being diminished, as the area’s identity becomes subsumed under larger, less distinct town councils.

Following the initial consultation in early 2024, residents contacted us to express concerns about the adequacy of communication by Broxtowe Borough Council. To help improve the public engagement regarding this vital issue, we organised a wide-reaching advertisement campaign for the current, and final, round of consultation. This includes a newsletter which has been sent to all residents and a consultation form which can be completed online or by postal return.

Additionally, two in-person events will be held on Friday, 13th September, from 6pm to 8pm, and Saturday, 14th September, from 11am to 1pm. These sessions are designed as informal gatherings, allowing residents to engage directly with Parish and Borough Councillors to seek answers regarding the Boundary Review consultation. Broxtowe Borough Council staff members have been invited to explain the practical execution of this merger and the legal processes involved. All serving Borough Councillors, particularly those representing Greasley wards, have also been invited to attend these events. We hope they will elaborate on why they consider the division of Greasley Parish into four different councils to be beneficial for our community.

The Parish Council is calling on all residents to participate in this final round of public consultation and to make their voices heard in opposition to these changes. To date, 94.5% of respondents to Greasley Parish Council’s consultation hope to preserve the Parish, with well over 800 responses received to date. Feedback continues to pour in daily. All responses, including those in favour of the proposals, will be sent to Broxtowe Borough Council to be included in their final presentation and discussion.

Greasley Parish Council trusts that the overwhelming response received will be adequately taken in to account by all serving Broxtowe Borough Councillors when their final decision is made.

We urge all Borough Councillors to set party politics and personal egos aside, respect their position as public representatives, and freely vote in line with the views of the residents they serve.

The final decision, expected at the end of 2024, will have long-lasting implications for our community. Greasley Parish Council is committed to guaranteeing that our residents’ voices are heard and respected in this critical process, ensuring that governance arrangements reflect the true needs and desires of its residents.