Walcott to have its own parish council

The parish of Walcott has been created following a boundary review by North Norfolk District Council, and a poll will be held on 1 May to elect nine councillors to serve it until 2011.

Walcott has, until now, been part of the parish of Happisburgh. The number of Happisburgh parish councillors will stay the same, despite the removal of Walcott from their constituency, until their next elections in 2011, when the council's size will be reduced accordingly.

NNDC's review of parish boundaries began in 2006, and has now been agreed and formalised by the Government. The review has also resulted in the redrawing of boundaries between Beeston Regis and West Runton (bringing some Cromer Road properties into Runton parish's West Ward) and between Gresham and Matlaske (where properties in North Barningham will now be represented by Matlaske Parish Council). Apart from the need to amend the Register of Electors, there are no electoral consequences for these parishes.

None of these changes has any effect on the planning process. The electors of the properties in Cromer Road will now be represented by the District Councillor for The Runtons rather than Chaucer Ward, and by the County Councillor for Holt rather than Sheringham.

Anyone who wants to stand for election for the parish of Walcott should ask NNDC's electoral services team for a nomination pack. Call01263 516046 or 516317 or email register@north-norfolk.gov.uk. Nominations should be received between 27 March and 12 noon on 4 April.

ENDS