Lanchester Parish Council
Lanchester Parish Council plays a vital role within the community, acting as a strong and representative local voice for a population of just over 4,000 residents. Keith Harrison serves as Chair of the Parish Council, supported by a further 14 councillors who make up the full council team. They cover the whole of the area making sure that all corners of the parish are represented. The parish itself has a rich and distinctive heritage, with historical roots stretching back to the Roman era, including the site of the fort at Longovicium. This sense of history continues to shape the character and identity of the village today.
The council is responsible for delivering and maintaining a broad range of local services and amenities that contribute directly to the quality of life for residents. These include five play areas, a dedicated bike track, various sporting facilities, allotments, and the Village Green. In addition, the council enhances the village environment through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas lights and hanging baskets, and maintains essential infrastructure such as bus shelters. Through these services, the council supports both the practical needs and the wider wellbeing of the community.
Laura Dodd has served as Clerk to Lanchester Parish Council for just over three years, a role that carries significant responsibility within the organisation. As both the Proper Officer and the Responsible Financial Officer, she ensures that the council operates efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with statutory requirements.
Her duties are wide-ranging and central to the council’s effective functioning. Laura is responsible for preparing agendas and accurately recording minutes for council meetings, ensuring that decisions are properly documented and actions are clearly followed up. She oversees all aspects of the council’s financial management, including budgeting, monitoring expenditure, maintaining accounts, and coordinating internal and external audit processes. In addition, she acts as the main point of contact for correspondence, handling enquiries from residents, community groups, and external organisations in a professional and timely manner. Alongside this, she manages ongoing projects and support the day-to-day administration of the council, ensuring continuity and responsiveness in all areas of its work.
David Maddox, is the Council's general Handyman and the only other paid employee of the council. He is employed on a part time basis and his duties involve making sure all council amenities are safe and well maintained. This covers everything from public seating, play parks, football pitches and Bike Track through to grass cutting. maintenance of the village green as well as lighting for the Christmas tree.
The council is responsible for delivering and maintaining a broad range of local services and amenities that contribute directly to the quality of life for residents. These include five play areas, a dedicated bike track, various sporting facilities, allotments, and the Village Green. In addition, the council enhances the village environment through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas lights and hanging baskets, and maintains essential infrastructure such as bus shelters. Through these services, the council supports both the practical needs and the wider wellbeing of the community.
Laura Dodd has served as Clerk to Lanchester Parish Council for just over three years, a role that carries significant responsibility within the organisation. As both the Proper Officer and the Responsible Financial Officer, she ensures that the council operates efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with statutory requirements.
Her duties are wide-ranging and central to the council’s effective functioning. Laura is responsible for preparing agendas and accurately recording minutes for council meetings, ensuring that decisions are properly documented and actions are clearly followed up. She oversees all aspects of the council’s financial management, including budgeting, monitoring expenditure, maintaining accounts, and coordinating internal and external audit processes. In addition, she acts as the main point of contact for correspondence, handling enquiries from residents, community groups, and external organisations in a professional and timely manner. Alongside this, she manages ongoing projects and support the day-to-day administration of the council, ensuring continuity and responsiveness in all areas of its work.
David Maddox, is the Council's general Handyman and the only other paid employee of the council. He is employed on a part time basis and his duties involve making sure all council amenities are safe and well maintained. This covers everything from public seating, play parks, football pitches and Bike Track through to grass cutting. maintenance of the village green as well as lighting for the Christmas tree.
