May consultation events for residents set to shape future governance of Littleton and Harestock
Two drop-in consultation events have been scheduled to help residents shape the future of governance for Littleton and Harestock.
Residents are being asked to consider three options - to divide Littleton and Harestock Parish Council into two new separate Parish Councils; for Littleton to become a Parish Council and Harestock to be included in the Winchester Town area; or for the current arrangements (the two areas jointly governed by a single Parish Council) to remain as they are.
Littleton and Harestock Parish Council has overseen local affairs, and developed and maintained important community facilities for many years. However, over time the nature of the area has changed significantly, with some identifying Harestock as a neighbourhood that works as a suburb of the City of Winchester whilst Littleton has retained the characteristics of a rural village.
The consultation period for these three options has started following the local elections and will run until midnight on May 28. More than a thousand leaflets have been posted direct to residents in order for them to have their say.
All feedback will be considered in June, and, if needed, further rounds of consultation will take place, with final recommendations being published in the Autumn.
Corporate Head of Resources, Lisa Kirkman said:
Winchester City Council has responded to the request from the current Parish Council to review the governance arrangements and is now keen to ensure that the governance of Littleton and Harestock will work for residents. Clearly an important step in this process is engaging with local people and listening to what they have to say.
As well as attending consultation events, residents are invited to respond via an online survey which is available at https://winchester.citizenspace.com
Drop in events are listed below
Saturday May 19, 9.30am-12.30pm – Littleton Sports Pavilion, The Hall Way, Littleton, SO22 6QL
Monday May 21, 4.30pm-7.30pm, Community Lounge, Henry Beaufort School, East Woodhay Road, Winchester, SO22 6JJ