There are huge concerns over the hundreds of vacancies across parish and town councils across the county at a time when local government is in flux.

These, often small, authorities - a number of which are in the Forest of Dean - are the first tier of local government and the closest council to voters.

They often provide and manage facilities such as allotments, play areas, village halls, public toilets and control of litter as well as playing a role in planning and development.

But research conducted by one parish councillor shows there are 212 vacancies across 113 councils in the county.

Chas Townley, who is a parish councillor in Hucclecote, used primary sources from town, parish and district councils when compiling the data.

He says it provides the most up to date based on the sources but it’s also possible that there are errors and omissions in the published data.

The high level of vacancies should be of high concern he says as local government is soon to be reorganised in Gloucestershire with the County and District councils being merged.

He believes parish and town council democracy needs to be reinvigorated and this should be a key vision of plans for any new unitary authorities in the county.

“Parish and town councils are essential anchor institutions in communities and will become even more vital following local government re-organisation,” he said.

“It has always been a worry that contested elections are as rare as hens’ teeth but this research evidences that a high level of vacancies exist throughout the county, which should be of high concern.

“Reinvigorating parish and town democracy needs to be a key vision of the ambitions for any new unitary councils.”

Chris Haine, county officer for Gloucestershire Association of Parish and Town Councils (GAPTC), echoes these concerns.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) is working on a campaign to promote the rewarding role of councillors.

And GAPTC, which supports more than 250 parish and town councils in the county, will be working to ensure everyone knows how they can get involved and make a difference.

“Over half of parish and town councils in Gloucestershire currently have vacancies – and that’s a real concern.,” he said.

“But it’s also a time of opportunity. We’re in a time of transformation in local government, with devolution giving more power to communities.

“There’s never been a more exciting or important time to step forward. Local councils are where change starts.

“NALC are working on a national campaign to promote the rewarding role of councillors, and here in Gloucestershire we’ll be doing our bit to ensure everyone knows how they can get involved and make a difference.”

Anyone interested in helping to shape their community are encouraged to get in touch with their local parish or town council, or visit GAPTC’s website for more information.

“There’s never been a more important time to get involved,” he added.