About the Council
This website is designed to provide information about the work of the Parish Council and signpost you to other organisations who provide services for residents of Blidworth.
The Parish of Blidworth is divided into two wards: North and South.
Blidworth Parish Council is made up of 11 elected councillors. There are 6 seats for South Ward and 5 seats for North Ward. All Parish councillors are volunteers, many having lived in the area for a long time and have a good understanding of the community and how changes to services impact it.
The Parish Council normally meets on the third Thursday of the month except for August and December when there are usually no meetings. A list of meeting dates and the agenda for each meeting is posted on this website but also displayed on the Village notice board, situated opposite the Post Office.
The Parish Council employ two members of staff:
- The Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
- The Parish Groundsman
The Clerk is available in the office based at Blidworth Library 9am – 4pm on a Monday and 9.00am – 12 noon on Thursdays.
Appointments outside of these hours are available by request by calling 01623 490358 or by emailing : clerk@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
Alternatively, please send an email and the Clerk will respond as soon as she is able.
CHAIR Councillor C Dear (South Ward)
Contact Details
5 Farr Way Blidworth,
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 0UB
email:
cdear@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
VICE CHAIR Councillor E Litchfield (North Ward)
Contact Details
42 Belle Vue Lane, Blidworth, Notts, NG21 0RD
email:
elitchfield@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
Councillor A Devine (South Ward)
Councillor T Smith (South Ward)
Contact Details
Southwell Road East, Rainworth, Notts.
email:
tsmith@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
Councillor W Bates Jnr (North Ward)
Contact Details
‘Vanessa’ House, Mansfield Road, Blidworth NG21 0LR
email:
bbatesjnr@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
Cllr S Niedojadlo (South Ward)
Contact Details
email:
sniedojadlo@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
Cllr P Johnson (South Ward)
Councillor T Duffy (South Ward)
Councillor K Marlow (North Ward)
Contact Details
51 Sherwood Avenue
Blidworth
Notts, NG21 0SX
email:
kmarlow@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
Councillor A Sykes (North Ward)
Councillor J Harvey (North Ward)
Parish Groundsman
Contact Details
Paul Newman
Parish Clerk and RFO
Contact Details
Clare Brettell
email: clerk@blidworthparishcouncil.gov.uk
Tel. 01623 490358
Being A Parish Councillor
To understand what is involved in being a Parish Councillor you first need to know what a Parish Council is and what it can and can’t do.
What is a Parish Council?
A Parish Council is a local authority that makes decisions on behalf of the people in the parish and is the level of government closest to the community. Parish Councils are the first place that people go to with concerns or ideas and for this reason they are a vital part of any community.
Why become a Parish Councillor?
By becoming a Parish Councillor, you become somebody your community will look to for help, guidance and support, a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.
What decisions do Parish Councils make?
The most common areas that Parish Councils get involved in include crime prevention, planning issues and managing open spaces and village halls. It is fair to say that on their own Parish Councils have limited decision-making powers, but they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, those organisations that do make final decisions, such as District and County Councils, health authorities etc. These authorities know that a Parish Council gives the best reflection of how a community feels about something and its views will be taken seriously.
How much time will it take up?
Parish Councils typically meet once a month (often excluding August) for the council meeting to which the public are invited. Meetings might last 2-3 hours, depending on the length of the agenda of items to be discussed. Some councils also have committees to deal with specific matters such as planning and finance. In addition to regular meetings councillors should also be prepared to attend occasional ad hoc meetings, for example with architects or agents concerning planning issues.
How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?
Once elected Parish Councillors sit on the council for a maximum of 4 years at the end of which they can stand for re-election if they wish. The next elections will take place in May 2027. The period of co-option will be until this time.
Interested?
Why not talk to your local councillors and find out what they think about the job. Alternatively contact the Parish Clerk on 01623 490358
Criteria
The applicant must be at least 18 years old
The applicant’s name must appear on the current register of the ‘Voters List’ or the applicant should during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date resided in or within three miles of the parish or the applicant’s only place of work during the whole of the twelve months preceding the relevant date is in the parish.
The applicant must not be debarred from standing as a Councillor.
