For the first time members of Etherley Parish Council would like to meet with residents to discuss next years precept request and their views on future plans and developments for the Parish.

Clerk Alison Overfield suggested this move to members as a way of ensuring that residents views are known and taken into account before the 2011/2012 precept is set in January.

Mrs Overfield said she was delighted that members had agreed to the move and considered this an appropriate follow up to the consultations carried out five years ago when the Parish Plan was published.

Mrs Overfield added that the Parish Council will hold an Open Session for the public on Thursday 11th November at 7.00p.m. at Toft Hill Community Centre and it is hoped that residents will come along to discuss future developments which could be considered for the Parish.

Etherley Parish Council has also invited a member of the Police Authority to attend the Parish Council Meeting on Thursday 18th November. This invitation links to the three week engagement period in which information will be collected from the public to inform future policing priorities. Cllr. Richard Bell will attend the Parish Council meeting and members of the public are welcome to come along to discuss policing priority with Cllr. Bell.

Members of the Parish Council feel this is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to have a say in future policing in County Durham and are very pleased that Cllr. Bell has agreed to attend.

The meeting will be held at Toft Hill Community Centre on Thursday 18th November at 7.00p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend the session which should last no longer than about 20/30 minutes.

For further details about either of the above meetings please contact the Clerk, Alison Overfield on 07940402597 or e.mail etherleypc@btinternet.com Based on information supplied by Alison Overfield.