Plans for a new town council serving Stafford have moved one step closer after a cross-party working group recommended its creation following a public consultation.
Nearly 65 per cent of residents who took part in the six-week consultation supported a proposal to establish a town council covering the unparished areas of Stafford town.
More than 1,000 responses were received as part of the exercise, which formed part of a Community Governance Review, a statutory process required before any new town or parish council can be created.
The review comes amid Local Government Reorganisation plans across the county which will see Stafford Borough Council abolished in 2028. Concerns have been raised that it would leave a lack of representation for the county town.
Council leader Aidan Godfrey said: “We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to participate in the consultation. The response demonstrates how strongly people feel about the future governance of Stafford. These views have played a vital role in shaping the recommendations, and we will continue to ensure local voices are at the heart of this process as it moves forward.”
The working group recommended that Doxey, which is already served by an existing parish council, would not form part of a new town council following strong opposition from Doxey residents in the consultation.
A full report will go before full council in September for consideration. If approved, elections would take place in 2027 with councillors representing approximately 47,000 residents.
More information about the Community Governance Review can be found here.
