PARISH and town councils in Pendle are being asked for their comments as part of a government consultation paper designed to enhance their role.

Pendle Council has written to all parish and town councils in the borough for their views on the "Quality Parish and Town Councils" paper and will respond to the government by February 14.

The paper recommends the development of a formal 'quality' brand for parish and town councils, which when met will enable them to be more active community leaders and more closely involved with delivery of local services.

To attain quality status these councils will have to meet a number of tests, including having a trained clerk and elected councillors, which will be a self-assessment process validated by an external auditor.

The paper also recommends that district, county and local councils jointly agree and adopt model parish charters which set out the arrangements, including financial, for partnership working between the tiers.

Coun Azhar Ali, leader of Pendle Council, said: "We want the views of all parish and town councils before we pass on our final comments to the government. The consultation paper aims to give rural communities a greater opportunity to shape their own future."