A major dispute within the Longhope Parish Council in Gloucestershire is being dismissed by some villagers as “just silly” as the community prepares for a no-confidence vote against the council’s three remaining members.
Next month, the Forest of Dean District Council will organise a non-binding poll, giving residents the chance to express their confidence in the parish councillors amid growing tensions. This follows a public meeting where 11 of 40 attendees voted to initiate formal steps to remove the current council members.
The council has faced multiple code of conduct complaints, several resignations, and allegations of financial irregularities. The upcoming poll, scheduled for May 11 at the Latchen Room from 4pm to 9pm, will ask parishioners four key questions: whether the councillors are properly representing the community, if they have acted appropriately, if they have shown respect for their positions, and whether they should remain in office. Voters will also indicate if they believe the district council should investigate alleged breaches of conduct.
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Though the parish council can have up to eight councillors, it currently operates with only three. Plans to co-opt district councillor John Francis were postponed due to his absence, with arrangements to discuss the matter at the next meeting.
Chairperson Jacquie Barker briefed the brief April 28 meeting, also confirming the appointment of Iain Selkirk as internal auditor.
Local resident and former district councillor Dave East attended the meeting and expressed a desire for harmony to return to the village.
“I’ve never known anything like this before," East said. “It’s just silly, this fighting. Taking sides, them and us, it’s just stupid. For God’s sake, we live in a village. We’ve all got to get on with each other."
East, who has lived in the area for 58 years, stressed the importance of community unity, welcoming newcomers as fellow villagers without prejudice. He also voiced concerns over the cost and impact of the poll, which is non-binding and leaves decisions to the council’s discretion.
“This poll isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. You can’t make them resign and it’s going to cost the parish. It’s social media that’s fanned this dispute,” he added.
Reflecting on his time serving on local councils, East highlighted a stark contrast in community relations: “We’d disagree in meetings but then leave it behind us and get on with life, maybe sharing a pint together later. I want to see that spirit return.”