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 members 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 pointed out 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.

“There are 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 with elections due in May, she said anyone interested in becoming a councillor would be co-opted until then.

Contact Mrs Barrows on 01535 636776 or e-mail estherbarrows@-hotmail.co.uk for further details.