COMMUNITY leaders looking for local democracy are petitioning for a town council — and say Wilmslow will miss out without one.

Wilmslow, Handforth, Styal and Morley Green make up one of only three areas covered by the new Cheshire East council which don’t have a town council and petition organisers warn local issues could be lost.

But campaigners want backing from residents and need at least ten per cent of voters to sign up.

Councillor Rod Menlove, a member of the steering group organising the petition, said: "This is a significant step towards local democracy for Wilmslow."

Issues on the town council agenda will include running allotments and cemeteries, litter collection and clearing graffiti.

And councillors will take on some powers handed down from Cheshire East such as maintaining footpaths and street lighting.

The Wilmslow Trust, a not-for-profit organisation which works to ‘improve’ Wilmslow, is spearheading the campaign.

Peter Stubbs, of the trust, said: "We can’t expect a council the size of Cheshire East to track every local issue in Wilmslow or Handforth.

"A town council would have a budget to deal with issues such as preserving the appearance of our town and village centres and would bring local matters to the attention of the Cheshire East councillors.

"I hope residents will support our petition."

Town council critics say there is a cost to the taxpayer and question the need to add an extra layer of government.

Coun Menlove added: "We will miss out if we don’t have a council. and the expense is relatively low, likely to cost households around 50p a week.

"All tasks devolved from Cheshire East come with funding, residents will not be charged twice for the same service.

"And the more local the service the more cost effective it can be.

"All monies raised locally have to be spent locally and start-up costs are minimal as election costs are already covered."

The steering group needs to collect at least 2,400 signatures to submit to Cheshire East Council, which will then take up to 12 months to decide on a format for the council.

Elections would take place alongside the Cheshire East elections in 2011 and there will be between 12 and 18 councillors who live or work locally covering the six wards.

Khumi Burton, of the steering group, said: "A town council can only be a good thing for Wilmslow and Handforth and will give a focal point to local community spirit."

To sign the petition, contact family@menlove.co.uk, martin.hoyle@uwclub.net, khumi@tiscali.co.uk, pc.stubbs@tiscali.co.uk or c-shepherd@btconnect.com .