RESIDENTS in Blunsdon St Andrew's parish are being asked for their opinions on plans to take on extra services.

Last week Swindon Borough Council confirmed plans to consult on the possibility of creating parishes across the whole borough, with the aim of localising services.

As part of these proposals, existing parish councils are being encouraged to take on services such as grass cutting and cleaning graffiti.

A trial was held with a number of parish councils to see how the system worked and it was largely a success.

Blunsdon St Andrew's, which was not part of the trial, is looking at partnering with Haydon Wick Parish Council to provide a number services, which it says will make the area much tidier.

However, there will be a cost of £13 a year, phased in over three to four years, which will appear on the parish precept, so councillors are keen to get people’s views before the change.

Parish council chairman Ian Jankinson believes any change will bring improvement across the parish as the borough council is looking to cut costs.

He said: “We have had several meetings with the borough and with Haydon Wick Parish Council and are considering going into partnership with the latter to assume joint responsibility for grass cutting, hedge and tree pruning and street cleaning in our two parishes.

“We are convinced that such a course of action would result in a considerable improvement in the appearance of public areas in the parish, in the same way that our taking over all the play areas has resulted in many compliments and comments regarding their condition and appearance.

“Should we not take up the proposal then it is certain that the already poor standard of public space maintenance will deteriorate further as the frequency of work by the borough is reduced.”

Haydon Wick has already decided to move forward with the plan and Blunsdon St Andrew's parish councillors will look at them in December.

Swindon Borough Council has said it will provide transitional funding in the first three years but there will still be an impact on people’s bills from April.

Ian said: “We have given considerable attention to the financing of the proposed transfer. After year three the full costs would be met by the parish councils.

“The impact of this would be that the precept for Blunsdon Parish would increase by £13 per year, or 25p per week on a Band D property, which we suggest is a small price to pay for the anticipated improvements in our environment.”

To comment speak to the local council or visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/C8JD577