TOWN and parish councils in Worcestershire have been promised more powers - but only if they can prove they are professionally run.

The Government wants to make parishes the "voice for their community" by handing down responsibilities currently carried out by district councils.

It could see parish councils enjoy new powers over parking, road safety, libraries, museums, playing fields, local markets, street lighting and allotments.

Pass tests

Parishes will first have to pass a series of tests to become officially recognised as a QUALITY council by the Government, and it will be up to the district councils to agree which powers they pass over.

All parish councillors must be elected every four years, the council must meet at least six times a year and it must be overseen by a qualified clerk.

An annual report must be published, the accounts must be independently audited and a quarterly newsletter produced for every household.

But one parish council clerk said he was worried about the move, claiming more powers would cost more cash - and the Government has given no pledge of extra money.

"I feel slightly concerned," said Bob Jenkins, clerk of St Peter's Parish Council.

"The people in the parish will pay more money if the new services are not Government assisted."

The new role for parish councils follows concern that they are run by "parish mafias", with members co-opted without election.

But Mr Jenkins said getting new parish councillors to step forward could be a problem.

"I am concerned that at the present time there are not the quantities of people wanting to be parish councillors," he said.

"We need people to come forward to become parish councillors and parish clerks, and these new hands need to be trained "

Rural affairs minister Alun Michael added: "We want to encourage all town and parish councils to lift their game. The potential's there.

"The QUALITY mark is to demonstrate the strengthened role we want them to have and a recognition they've achieved the necessary quality.

"We want truly representative parish and town councils to be the recognised voice for their communities."

Extra powers

Many of the extra powers being promised to parish councils have already been delegated to them in some parts of the country.

But Mr Michael dismissed fears that many district councils jealously guard their powers and would refuse to give them up.

"It's in the interests of both districts and counties to allow those things that people feel are most important to be dealt with at the most local level," he said.

Mr Michael released a consultation paper proposing a model charter on how all local councils should work in partnership to deliver services.

Interested parties have until the end of January 2002 to make comments to the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.