A lack of people wanting to stand as parish councillors has prompted leaders to decide to take emergency action.

West Norfolk Council agreed it will step in if seats are left unfilled in order to ensure the decision-making process continues and local democracy is not left high and dry.

It follows local elections in May this year where three parish councils, Burnham Overy, Northwold and Houghton, could not form a new regime due to a lack of people wanting to stand. 

But they were saved from having an election re-run after it received further nominations who were elected unopposed.

Eastern Daily Press: Council leader Terry Parrish said he dare not leave his parish council duties as there would be no one to replace himCouncil leader Terry Parrish said he dare not leave his parish council duties as there would be no one to replace him (Image: Newsquest)

Discussing the issue at a cabinet meeting, council leader Terry Parrish said: "I'm a parish councillor but I haven't got time for it anymore.

"I dare not remove myself because if I did there would be no one to replace me."

Richard Blunt added: "I'm a parish councillor and we struggle. Sometimes we have to co-opt people with half an arm behind their back to make them stand."

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Parish councils become inquorate when they haven't selected enough members, causing problems because they are unable to call any meetings. 

It would mean key decisions in local areas would be stalled until enough members can be found. 

Eastern Daily Press: Burnham Overy, a place known for the number of second homes, struggled to fill its parish council seats in MayBurnham Overy, a place known for the number of second homes, struggled to fill its parish council seats in May (Image: Chris Bishop)

Burnham Overy, a village known for its abundance of second homes, was put under the spotlight after not enough people stood to keep it afloat in May.

Locals believe the lack of people actually living in the village permanently could have contributed to the lack of people willing to stand.

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Under the plan, the chief executive officer will be able to appoint borough councillors to parishes to avoid them becoming inquorate and unable to function.

It was also suggested that parish councils could decide to reduce the number of seats, therefore making it easier to find enough people to stand to form a functioning council.

Mr Parrish also called for an opportunity to bring the parish councils together to discuss more generally the issues affecting them.