GRASS roots democracy could return to Wilmslow for the first time in 30 years if calls for a town council get public support.

Demand for a local power base are gaining momentum as the shadow Cheshire East Council, with its headquarters in Sandbach, gears up to take control of local government in April next year.

Talks are due later this month and a new "neighbourhood" council could be in place in two years’ time.

Powers would be limited, similar to those of a parish council, but it would mean Wilmslow and Handforth could claw back some local control and may have a say on planning, parking, street cleaning and other environmental concerns - including the appointment of extra police community support officers.

Provision for a neighbourhood tier of local government was drafted in to legislation which paved the way for reform last year.

Both Wilmslow and Handforth have been without a locally based council since local government switched to Macclesfield in 1974.

Now just ten per cent of the population of 24,000 is needed to support the plan and trigger a Community Governance Review which will set the ball rolling towards a ballot in 2011.

Wilmslow Trust is keen to kick start it and will meet with Cheshire East leader Wesley Fitzgerald to thrash out the pros and cons on November 20 at Wilmslow Guild.

Spokesman Brian McGavin said: "We believe a new town council for Wilmslow would give a stronger voice for the area. We are a significant sized town and we need a strong local voice in planning issues and local services like transport. We also want to see the trust’s proposals for landscape enhancements to Wilmslow town centre taken forward. This is a real opportunity to benefit local people."

He went on: "There is a big gap between residents and the new unitary council Cheshire East to be based at Sandbach. We need some sort of local voice to give support for local voluntary groups, gain local improvements in the quality of services and facilities and have a physical presence for Wilmslow rather than anonymity. There is a wide range of services it (a town council) could run including allotments, burials, bye-laws, community centres, public toilets and footpaths. For instance Alderley Edge Parish Council part funds a PCSO while Poynton Parish Council funds frequent grass cutting."

Spokesman for Wilmslow Forum Councillor Gary Barton said: "I think it is a great idea. A town council for Wilmslow and Handforth would be a valuable tool in ensuring that local concerns are heard and responded to. Cheshire East offers valuable opportunities for economies of scale, but it is also important that in what is, geographically, the largest unitary authority in the North West that we maintain contact with local communities.  A town council for Wilmslow and Handforth will allow local residents a greater say in how the community is run".

He went on: "However, it is important that Wilmslow and Handforth are represented together because they are now and have historically always been closely linked communities that have interlinked needs and requirements. Large councils are good for providing core services such as refuse collection, leisure services, local education but they can become detached from smaller issues that really matter to local communities."

Any resident can qualify to stand for election and typically the cost of running a town council is between £18 and £36.50 for an average Band D property.

Residents can attend the meeting at the Wilmslow Guild on Thursday November 20, at 7.30pm, with new Cheshire East Council’s chief executive, Erika Wenzel and leader Wesley Fitzgerald. Coun Fitzgerald will answer questions about powers and start up costs.

Mr Mc Gavin said: "This affects all of us in many ways - planning, parking, street cleanliness and much more. Don't miss this chance to hear about the future of Wilmslow and have your say."

Councillor Rod Menlove said: "The decision on whether there will or will not be a town council for Wilmslow will be taken by local voters. This is democratic and this is how it should be."