The Role of Town Council
There are three tiers of Local Government in Garstang - County Council, District (or Borough) Council, and Town Council. Each tier has distinct responsibilities and works together to serve the needs of residents.
Town Councils represent the first tier of local government - the level closest to the community.
Local Authorities - Who Does What? Town Councils - Tier 1- Planning applications
- Road safety and improvements
- Public transport changes
- Local flooding and drainage concerns
They provide valuable local insight and are increasingly taking on more community-focused responsibilities. These can include:
- Supporting local events and community groups
- Managing assets such as community centres, play areas, and noticeboards
- Reporting local issues like potholes, littering, and dog fouling
- Advocating for the needs and interests of residents to higher-tier authorities
Parish and Town Councils play an essential role in making their communities better places to live, work, and visit.
District or Borough Councils - Tier 2Garstang Town Council comes under Wyre Council who has responsibility for:
- Collection of council tax and business rates
- Refuse, recycling, and litter collection
- Housing services and homelessness support
- Planning applications and local development
- Environmental health, including noise and animal nuisances
- Maintenance of parks, play areas, and open spaces
- Management of allotments
For information on District Council services:
Website: www.wyre.gov.uk
Phone: 01253 891000
Email: mailroom@wyre.gov.uk
Garstang Town Council comes under Lancashire County Council who has responsibility for:
- Children, education, and families
- Health and social care
- Transport and travel
- Roads, potholes, repairs, and gritting
- Recycling centres
- Fire and public safety
- Flooding
- Libraries and archives
- Trading standards
- Births, marriages, and deaths
For more information on County Council services:
Website: www.lancashire.gov.uk
Phone: 0300 123 6701
Email: enquiries@lancashire.gov.uk
Garstang Town Council
Garstang Town Council employ a part-time Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) who is responsible for all the administrative work associated with the day to day running of the Town Council.
There are twelve local people who serve as Councillors on the Town Council and give their time voluntarily. Elections to serve as a Town Councillor are held every four years, unless there is a resignation when a casual vacancy will be advertised on the website and in the library.
All meetings are open to the public and there is a period of time put aside at each meeting for a period of public discussion where members of the public are able to express their views or ask questions in respect of the business on the agenda.