Big ‘Yes’ vote in parish ballot

ALL five areas taking part in the ballot on whether the unparished areas should have parish councils voted heavily in favour.

However, the areas had different views on what  their local parish council should be.

In Church Crookham 77.56 % wanted a parish –with the majority preferring a parish just for Church Crookham.

In Courtmoor 69.06% wanted a parish –but there the favoured option was a parish for the whole of the unparished area.

Fleet saw 66.75% in favour of a parish and as in Courtmoor they preferred a parish for the whole area.

At Elvetham Heath a massive 92.43 per cent wanted a parish –but here the majority wanted a parish just for Elvetham Heath.

At Ancells the vote was 72.31 per cent in favour of a parish –with a small majority of all those who voted wanting to be part of a single parish for the unparished area.

Some 8400 ballot papers were received- a turnout of 33.76 %.

When Hart was formed in 1974 Fleet and Church Crookham were left without a town or parish council.

A total of 24,885 electors were sent a letter and voting pack in mid-January. The letter included a summary of the role of parish councils and asked them whether they wished to have one for their area and what area they would like it to cover.

The results were being announced at the full Council meeting on Thursday evening (January 31).

The findings from the ballot will now be considered by councillors in the Democratic Structures working group. They will make recommendations to the full Council on March 27.