LYDNEY Town Council has been awarded Quality Status through a scheme administered by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

It is the first of the four town councils in the Forest of Dean area to achieve this award.

The Quality Parishes Scheme was introduced in 2003 as part of a drive by the Government, and parish council bodies, to modernise local government and ensure that parish and town councils are in touch with the communities they serve.

It recognises councils that have demonstrated the ability to work effectively within set standards to provide a representative and active body capable of playing a stronger role in the community.

To earn the status Lydney Town Council demonstrated to an independent panel that it has a qualified officer, it holds regular public meetings, communicates with community and maintains accurate and transparent financial records.

Chief executive officer Jayne Smailes, who has achieved a 'hat trick' by gaining Quality Status for three independent councils, said: "We trust that the Quality Status accreditation will provide our electorate with an assurance that the Town Council is now finally in a position to act for, and on behalf of, the people of Lydney. 

"The Council aims to use this accreditation as a platform upon which it can move forward.  There are so many opportunities currently available to local communities via the Localism Act 2011 it's important that both the Town Council and the community as a whole consider each of them and adopts those that are most appropriate." 

Lydney's mayor, Cllr Bob Berryman, added: "I would like to thank all of the staff for their hard work and dedication and for ensuring that the council's policies and procedures are now correct and that council is fully compliant with legislation. It is this that has played a significant part in attaining the award. 

"While the council will hold this accreditation for a four year term I would like to reiterate that the gaining of this award is only the beginning of improvements within Lydney which the council will look to facilitate."

The council, which also earlier this year gained the 'Power in General Competency' award (the first in Gloucestershire) says it is keen to address and develop 'local' services further, providing value for money to the town's residents. 

The Council is also taking forward a Neighborhood Development Plan for Lydney and is keen to encourage anyone with an interest in 'shaping' Lydney's future to make contact.