Stapleford Town Council was re-established at the Carnegie Civic and Community Centre in 1987 to represent the needs and aspirations of the local community.

What does a Town Council do? In the 21st Century a Town Council can be seen as a pressure group acting for the interests of the Town, highlighting its particular requirements and ensuring that the unique place of the community is not swallowed up in the larger debate at the Borough or County level.

Stapleford Town Council is most conscientious about its role as a planning consultee. All planning applications made within the Parish Boundaries are notified to the Town Clerk, who then ensures that such requests are considered by the Town Council; either through the auspices of the Planning & Environment Committee or full Town Council. The idea behind this practice is that Town Councillors have local knowledge and that this local expertise can then be made available to the Borough Council to assist it with its deliberations. Stapleford Town Council is not a planning authority and does not make the ultimate decision on planning matters but the comments passed to the Borough Council carry weight and information passed in this manner can greatly assist the Borough Council to make the right decision when considering these matters.

What else? Town Councils raise their revenue through the precept and this money must be spent within the Parish Boundaries for the good of the local populace. Stapleford Town Council takes this responsibility very seriously and endeavours to support the local community and also broaden the horizons of the Town. To this end the Town Council actively supports the Arts and brings live theatre to the Town. This enables the community to become involved with this medium without the trek and inconvenience of travelling to either Nottingham or Derby.

It supports local organisations with their projects. Major events like the Carnival and Hemlockstone Happening depend on Town Council funding. Other groups as diverse as the Stapleford and District Gardenholders’ Association to a Ramblers Group have benefited from Town Council support. Ever wondered who is responsible for the organisation of the Christmas lights or the hanging baskets during the summer months? Stapleford Town Council again. If you want an allotment in the Town, again the Town Council provides and manages this service for the benefit of local residents.

The Town Council has actively campaigned for a better streetscape, for improved lighting, more public transport, and improved policing and open government. Where there is an issue that directly affects the Town, Stapleford Town Council will endeavour to ensure that the voice of the electorate is heard.

If you live in Stapleford you are represented by 18 Town Councillors. Six in each of three wards; Stapleford North, Stapleford South East and Stapleford South West. The Town Mayor is elected annually and represents the Town at both formal Civic Events throughout the County and beyond and local more intimate events. The Office of the Town Mayor is designed to demonstrate the pride that the community has in its Town and this figure head is able to demonstrate to the larger community the strength of the area and confidence and pride that it has in itself as an independent entity.

M C Downie (Ms)
Town Clerk