A shortage of councillors has left Lothersdale Parish Council unable to take decisions on local issues.

Lothersdale clerk Esther Barrows said the November resignation of one of its councillors had made it difficult for the parish council to achieve a quorum.

“We can talk about things, but the council can’t make any decisions or vote on matters,” said Mrs Barrows, who said that four councillors were needed to achieve a quorum.

Currently, the council has four members – chairman Stephen Cohen, vice chairman Eddie Cullen, Julian White and Peter Harrison – but Mrs Barrows said work or family commitments meant not all of them were always able to attend meetings.

“There are a lot of positives and we have a good mix of people on the council, but need a minimum of four people to take a decision,” she said.

“There are a lot of important issues at the moment including the restoration of the war memorial, a woodland management plan and planning matters such as wind turbine applications.”

To become a member of the parish council, a person needs to be over 18 years of age and a qualifying citizen of the Commonwealth, the European community or the Republic of Ireland.

Normally councillors serve a three-year term, but as the elections are due in May, Mrs Barrows said anyone interested in becoming a councillor would be co-opted to fill the role until then.

For further details, ring Esther Barrows on 01535 636776 or email estherbarrows@hotmail.co.uk.