What is the Parish Council and what can it do for you?

Parish Councils are concerned directly with certain matters that can have an immediate effect on the lives of the people in the parish.

In some matters, which are the direct concern of higher authorities, such as the District Council, the County Council and Government Ministries, the Parish Council can represent, often, if not always with success, the views of the people who live in the parish.

Some of the matters with which the Parish Council can be directly or indirectly concerned are described below.

With co-operation with the Downley Common Preservation Society, the Parish Council manages Downley common as well as other open spaces.

The Parish Council tries to secure open spaces from abuse and encroachment. It endeavours to maintain a balance in the enjoyment of the common between the various groups, such as recreation activities (footballers, cricketers, horseriders, joggers, etc.), naturalists, commoners and people who just want to enjoy the common as an open space to exercise themselves and their dogs, in a reasonable way.

The Parish Council guards the rights of way within the parish and footpaths, which are a necessary means of communication by people living in the parish. Membership of the Chiltern Society is of assistance i n this work.

Above all the Parish Council relies on members of the public to bring to their attention instances of rights of way which are being obstructed, ploughed, or overgrown.

The Parish Council provides footway lights within the parish. Members of the public who observe footway lights which are not functioning should inform a councillor or the Clerk. In particular, residents are urged to note damage done to footway lights by vehicles.

The Parish Council contributes to the preparation of local and regional plans and to such related matters as the designation of areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and the green belt. The Parish Council makes an important contribution to the amenities of the parish by a careful study of planning applications and by the submission to planning authorities of recommendations and comments, which try to reflect the views of residents in the immediate vicinty of the proposed development, and of the parish in general.

Parish Council provide facilities for the enjoyment of all parishoners - at Gosling Grove open space and pond, the allotments and Mannings Field where areas are available for hire.

The Parish Council represents to the transport authorities the needs of residents for public transport. To do this, the council needs the support of residents in utilising the facilities.

The Parish Council maintains connections with the Bucks Council for Voluntary Services, the Open Space Society, the Community Health Council, the Playing Fields Association and other bodies, which are able to assist local societies and clubs. The Council also assists in other ways.

By attending the meetings, which are held in the Memorial Hall, on the second Tuesday of each month. At most meetings a period is provided for public questions. You can bring issues to the attention of a Councillor, or put in writing to the Clerk of the Council, matters that you believe should be considered by the Parish Council.