A DEMOCRATIC deficit is set to hit Hook at the local elections in May.

Half of the 12 councillors at Hook Parish Council are expected to stand down before the next election on May 5. And with the closing date for applications less than a month away – April 4 – the council has received only one expression of interest.

Councillor Antony Hunter, a former parish chairman, is one of those stepping down. After 12 years as a parish councillor he wants to concentrate on the village magazine Hook Focus, which he edits.

He said: “For the first time since the early 1980s, there’s a severe risk that we will not have 12 people standing for the 12 seats.

“We urgently need people who are interested to come forward and speak to our parish clerk Anne Atkins.”

Cllrs Hunter, Tim Colman, Jeanne Marie Steels and Gillian Morgan-Brown have all confirmed to The Gazette they will not stand for re-election.

Two other councillors are also thought likely to step down. Cllr Hunter blamed the current economic climate for the lack of interest.

He said: “The one thing that everybody accepts is that people these days are busier. People who are employed tend to have to work harder and those not in work are having to put all their efforts into finding employment.”

Parish councils receive a share of the council tax bill to pay for items such as the upkeep of public areas and churchyards, centres for community groups and events. They also have a say in planning applications.

If there are not enough candidates, the parish council will be forced to co-opt new members, a procedure which Cllr Hunter believes is “totally undemocratic”.

The application period will open on March 28 and close on April 4. Anyone with an interest can contact the parish council on 01256 768687.