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CDALC

Delivering support to local councils in County Durham

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Aycliffe Nature Park

Aycliffe Nature Park

Near Traveller’s Green in Newton Aycliffe, this area houses several rare species. There is a pond, dipping platform and info about flora and fauna.

Town hall

Ferryhill Town Hall

Ferryhill Town Hall Headquarters of Ferryhill Town Council

Great Aycliffe Show

Great Aycliffe Show

Organized by Great Aycliffe Town Council this event has crafts, horticulture, competitions, trade stands, demonstrations, funfair and refreshments.

Great Aycliffe Show

Great Aycliffe Show

Great Aycliffe Town Council provides a superb family-friendly event during August Bank Holiday weekend, with free public entry for two days of fun.

Adult fitness trail

Adult Fitness Trail

Shildon Town Council is encouraging its adult population to get as fit as its children by installing adult fitness equipment in its park.

Town Park

Town Park

Located near to the centre of Newton Aycliffe, the Town Park features planted areas, play equipment, a skateboard area and a youth shelter.

Oakleaf Bowls

Oakleaf Sports Complex

Open 7 days a week to provide classes, coaching and wide range of facilities including football, squash, badminton, cricket and indoor bowling.

Councillors

Local Councils Charter

Local Councils and Durham County Council members at the official signing of the Local Councils Charter event.

Refurbished Play Area

Refurbished Park - Shildon

Shildon Town Council's Hackworth Park and it's newly refurbished play equipment

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Home / Parish Councils / What is a Parish Council / History of Parish Councils

History of Parish Councils

Before 1894, governance was based on a variety of groups around ecclesiastical parishes which had responsibility for these matters, in a system of local government that originated in the feudal system of the 8th century. Their areas of responsibility were known as civil parishes and they were grouped together to form rural districts. Civil parishes existed in urban districts, but did not have parish councils.

Following the Local Government Act 1972, many small towns which had previously formed municipal boroughs or urban districts, became successor parishes within larger districts. Some areas  of County Durham did not become “parished” as a result ogf this Act and therefore do not have parish council representation.

The Local Government and Rating Act 1977 gave the Secretary of State the power to create new parish councils. This was normally done following receipt of a local petition from residents which gave details of the area to be parished, the electorate and number of Councillors required etc. This has happened especially in large towns and cities which do not have a history of parish governance. In County Durham three new parishes have been created recently in Bishop Auckland, Greater Willington and Stanley. In population terms Stanley is now the largest parish council in County Durham.

Since the introduction of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 the creation of parish councils is now permitted within London boroughs, previously there was no law to create them.

Using the same new powers Durham County Council now has the power to create new Parish Councils in County Durham.

There are currently around 8,500 Parish Councils in the Country with an estimated 80,000 Parish Councillors.

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