Crisis Hits Hermitage Parish Council: Seven Resign

HERMITAGE Parish Council has had a coup.

HERMITAGE Parish Council is in turmoil after seven councillors resigned, bringing its operations to a standstill.

Frustration over clashes between new and old councillors has led to the mass departure. Ian Govier, one of the resigning members, expressed, “The village has changed and what people want is different to the ‘old days’. We need to be transparent and open to residents’ opinions.”

For a council meeting to be quorate, at least one-third of its members must attend, but with only three councillors left, Hermitage can no longer conduct business.

Councillor Jon Willey, in his resignation letter, highlighted a divisive atmosphere, stating, “I joined the council hoping to make a positive difference, but I found the culture one of division rather than cooperation. I witnessed uncomfortable behaviour towards the public and disrespectful treatment of fellow councillors.”

When a council becomes inquorate, it cannot hold meetings or make decisions. The parish clerk must then reach out to West Berkshire Council to determine how many temporary councillors are needed to restore a quorum.

West Berkshire Council is yet to respond, and Hermitage Parish Council currently has 11 councillor positions that need filling, as mentioned in a recent Facebook post by the council.

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter