Rawdon Parish Council is up and running after members held their first meeting.

Although their inaugural meeting was mostly taken up with matters of administration, their new chairman has pledged to keep a close eye on anything happening locally.

Coun Bob Barber said the parish council’s funding, via a precept, was set by Leeds City Council and would not be available until April 2013.

He said: “Most Parish/town councils were set up following elections in May but as we have been set up following a November election we have to wait until next April to fall in line with the Leeds City Council financial year end and the 2013 city buget.

“In the meantime we intend to keep a close watch on any controversial planning applications etc. We can assure the people of Rawdon that we are up and running and will keep a close eye on things on their behalf.”

An appeal is being made for someone to attend meetings and record the minutes on a voluntary basis until the position of parish clerk can be advertised and an appointment made.

The new council came into being after people living in Rawdon sent a petition to Leeds City Council in May calling for its creation.

The city council carried out consultation with local people before setting up an electoral working group, which made a recommendation that the new parish council should be formed.

The proposal went forward to a full Leeds City Council meeting on September 12 where it was approved.

Voters took to the polls on November 15 to elect their new councillors.

The next parish council meeting will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 15 at the Emmott Arms.

Contact Coun Barber on 01132 505281 or email robert.barber33@ntlworld.com to volunteer to help out with minute taking.