PARISH SERVICES
WHAT DOES THE PARISH COUNCIL DO?
In common with most Parish Councils, Overseal Parish Council was created in 1895 and has been operating ever since. Councillors are elected every four years in May and the next elections are due in 2015. The Councillors are unpaid, enthusiastic local residents who attempt to create some community cohesion in an expanding village. Newcomers are made welcome while attempting to retain traditions of the past and encouraging visitors and the development of tourism as a means of enhancing the local economy.
Parish Councils have few legal duties, but have many powers which they may use for the benefit of their area. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 pm at the Village Hall and there is a public question and answer session at the beginning of each meeting. Councillors representing Overseal on the District and County Councils attend most meetings to offer their help and advice and to take back matters for consideration by their Councils. The Council’s formal business is done through the Clerk.
The Council runs the Village Hall, a popular venue for a wide variety of events from parties and fitness classes, to the Pre-school Playgroup. If you are thinking about a venue for an event of your own, please contact the Caretaker, Mr L Baxter, on 01283 760138 as he is responsible for all bookings.
At the rear of the Village Hall is the Recreation Ground, with its two football pitches, shared by four teams, who also have use of the team changing rooms. In addition to football, the Recreation Ground is used for general recreation and as a venue for the Overseal Gala in July and Bonfire Night celebrations in November. The Sports Pavilion and bowling green are next door.
The Council operates allotments. One site is between Burton Road and Edward Street; all 21 plots are currently occupied and the Clerk keeps a waiting list. A second site was established in 2012, at Lullington Road, and is run by an Allotment Association.
The Council is consulted on all planning applications for development within the Parish and also presses District and County Councils, Government bodies and others for improvements to public services, whether it be potholes needing repair, problems with bus services or opinions about the Regional Plan.
The Parish Council directly helps to keep public rights of way free from obstructions under a partnership arrangement with Derbyshire County Council and collects litter from central parts of the village in a partnership arrangement with South Derbyshire District Council.