BARNTON residents are being invited to put forward suggestions for improving the village.

The invitation has come from Barnton Parish Council, which is urging people to submit ideas by the end of January.

The call for suggestions follows an increase in comments from residents about issues they believe the parish council has the power to influence or take action on.

“We would like to invite each household in the village to consider one thing that would improve the village, which we do not currently have, and let us know their suggestions,” said parish council chairman Cllr Dilys Hooper.

“We will close the period for suggestions on January 31, 2016, to allow residents time to consider, and we would ask residents to please try to make the suggestion achievable and beneficial to the community as a whole.

“We have noticed over the last few weeks an increase in comments or complaints from residents about matters they believe the council has power to influence or supply on their behalf.

“Parish councils have few powers and very little opportunity to sway decisions made from higher powers.

“We do try by commenting on planning matters, and as consultees only the council will be informed of planning and licensing matters.”

Cllr Hooper said the parish council was happy for residents and any group they represented to approach the council for support in any matters they felt strongly about which affected Barnton.

“We would be happy to support any group that has formed to address these issues, but can only inform the relevant departments that we are unhappy about the matter and cannot influence in any other way their decisions,” she said.

“We are aware people may feel some services are lacking in the village, and try our best to listen to individual points and comments.

“However we are unable to supply or manage any services that would come under the umbrella of Cheshire West and Chester Council, central Government or the NHS.”

People with suggestions can email barntonparishcouncil@googlemail.com, drop comments in the post box at the council office at Rosebank School or call 07849 344940.