A NEIGHBOURHOOD partnership pilot scheme carried out in Buckskin and South Ham looks set to be rolled out across Popley.

In May 2013, a pilot scheme aimed at giving local residents more of a say into what happens in their area was approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The project aimed to perform similar roles to those of parish councils in rural areas around Basingstoke and Deane such as Overton, Oakley, Old Basing and Bramley.

Parish councils exercise powers on a range of issues including litter and footpaths, and they are able to make formal submissions on planning applications.

The neighbourhood partnership brings together representatives from community associations, community planning groups, faith groups, borough and county councillors with agencies such as Sovereign Housing Association, the North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group and the police to enable local people to influence and improve the quality of life for their community.

And following the success of the first pilot, the borough council’s decision-making Cabinet agreed to launch another pilot scheme covering the Popley West and Popley East wards.

In addition, the South Ham and Buckskin pilot will continue for at least another year and the results of both pilots will be reported to councillors in 2017.