Council

The Parish Council represents the interests of Helpston residents on a wide range of local issues, including planning, infrastructure, environmental protection, and public services. We act as a voice for the village in our dealings with Peterborough City Council and other public bodies, and we work with organisations such as the police, utility companies, and community groups to raise concerns and pursue improvements. We consult and engage with residents through meetings, public surgeries, and consultations, and we encourage people to make their views known.

Planning and Development
The Parish Council is a statutory consultee on all planning applications in the parish. While we do not make the final decision, our comments are considered by Peterborough City Council’s planning officers. We review and respond to planning applications and planning policy consultations, and we seek to protect the village’s rural character, green spaces, and conservation areas. We support appropriate development that benefits the community and oppose development that would cause harm.

Maintaining and Enhancing Public Spaces
The Parish Council plays a practical role in maintaining and improving the village environment, including:

– Grass cutting and verge maintenance (where not covered by Peterborough City Council)
– Benches, bins, and noticeboards
– Dog waste bins
– Monitoring street furniture and reporting faults
– Liaison over footpaths and bridleways

We also support village beautification and environmental improvement projects.

Environment and Biodiversity
We are committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. We support tree planting, biodiversity initiatives, and community-led environmental projects, and we respond to issues such as fly-tipping, drainage problems, and overgrown vegetation.

Recreation, Leisure, and Community Life
We support a wide range of clubs, activities, and community events across the village, mainly by providing advice, signposting, and small grants where appropriate. We also maintain and support local open spaces and play areas. Information about local amenities and community organisations can be found in the Helpful Links section of this website.

Supporting Community Welfare
The Parish Council helps to support a safe and resilient village by:

– Reporting problems with street lighting, damaged paths, and road safety concerns
– Supporting the provision and maintenance of public defibrillators
– Liaising with the police and PCSOs on community safety matters
– Alerting residents to scheduled road closures where possible
– Supporting local emergency and resilience planning, including the Good Neighbourhood and Resilience Plan (GNRP)

 Financial Management
The Parish Council raises money through a precept, which is collected as part of residents’ council tax. This funds the services and activities we provide. We set an annual budget, publish financial information, ensure that spending is properly controlled, and seek external grants where appropriate. We operate under the Local Government Act 1972 and our own Standing Orders and Financial Regulations. We publish agendas, minutes, policies, and financial information on this website, and all councillors are required to comply with the Code of Conduct and declare any relevant interests.

Communications and Engagement
We keep residents informed through this website, noticeboards, public meetings, and contributions to the Village Tribune. We also operate an official Parish Council Facebook page. We hold quarterly surgeries and respond to enquiries made to the Parish Clerk.

Working with Others
We work with a wide range of organisations including Peterborough City Council, local schools and churches, the John Clare Society, environmental groups, and other community organisations. Links to these bodies are provided in the Helpful Links section of this website