History of Lindford Parish Council

We have good reason to celebrate on the 1st April 2007, as this is the 25th anniversary of the founding of Lindford Parish Council. At the time, one could not help wondering if this was a good day to start such a project, particularly as it later happened, that the tree that was planted with due ceremony on the 1st April died quite quickly.

Fortunately this did not happen to the new Council. The first meeting of the Council was held in the Working Men's Club on the 19th April 1982 at 7pm. This was followed at 8pm with the first Annual Parish Meeting. Approximately 80 residents attended.

In 1979, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) sent a questionnaire to all houses in Lindford to see if the residents wanted to become a parish. The result was a 66% return with 89% in favour. As this showed that the majority of residents were in favour of becoming a separate parish, these figures then had to be presented to the Boundaries Commission for their approval, which was given in due course.

We were told that our Parish Council could consist of seven councillors. There were six members of the Residents' Committee who were prepared to serve, and there were also two other candidates. As we were only allowed seven councillors an election had to be held.  One of these other candidates was not elected.

The seven elected candidates all accepted the result, and Lindford Parish was formed. Within a very short time it became obvious to the seven Councillors that they had volunteered for an almost full-time job. It was necessary to attend many meetings to find out how things were run. There were Planning meetings, Finance meetings, meetings with other parishes, meetings with EHDC. 

It was clear that seven people were working very hard. An application was made to be allowed to appoint a further two members. After quite a long time, permission was granted.  There are still nine members, still working very hard. Every so often some one leaves, and another member has to be found.  This usually takes a while, but so far someone has always turned up. Parish Councillors are not paid; they are only allowed expenses when they are out of the parish.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month in the Methodist Church Hall at 8pm. If it is a Bank Holiday, then the meeting is held on the second Monday. Time is set aside for the public to ask questions.

As most people will know, we now have a big estate being built at the end of Chase Road.  The Parish Council and other organisations tried hard to stop this development but unfortunately we lost. However, we will have a village hall on this site, not in the best place, but at least we will have a hall. This would be the last chance to obtain one, as there are no more suitable places to build. Looking at the plans it appears to be an attractive building, which should be of great benefit to the village over the next 25 years.