A growing political movement in Peasedown St John wants the public to help write its manifesto.

Peasedown Together, a collective group of residents who came together at the start of the year, will be standing 17 candidates at next year's Peasedown Parish Council elections.

Group leader and community activist Gavin Heathcote said:

"We want to create a more open and resident-focused parish council.

With a budget of over a quarter-of-a-million pounds each year, the parish council spends huge levels of public funding – often without any public consultation or engagement.

With Peasedown households paying huge levels of taxes to the parish council each year, largely because of the council's recent 41% tax hike, its essential that the public are asked how they'd like it spent!"

Peasedown Together is now seeking residents' views on a range on local issues, all of which will help form the group's manifesto for the May 2023 parish elections.

Gavin and the Peasedown Together team are particularly keen to receive feedback on how these areas can be improved:

-     Public parks

-     Footpaths

-     Street lights

-     Winter support (eg, the provision of grit bins)

-     Beacon Hall (the building's maintenance is paid for by taxpayers)

"We'd love to receive feedback from the public on these issues," said Gavin, "how can the parish council make improvements in these areas?"

Peasedown Together would also like to know what residents think generally about the performance of the parish council. What could this public body be doing more or less of?

Live in Peasedown St John? You can submit your views into the consultation by calling 07557 683834 or emailing [email protected]

Gavin and the team are also keen to hear from anybody who would you like to stand as a candidate in the May 2023 Peasedown Parish Council Elections.

For more details, visit the Peasedown Together Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PeasedownTogether