AN urgent plea has been made for volunteers to join a village parish council.

Middleton-in-Teesdale and Newbiggin Parish Council, in upper Teesdale, is so depleted there are occasions when decisions cannot be made as not enough members turn up to meetings.

At full strength, there should be seven parish councillors for Middleton-in-Teesdale and four representing Newbiggin.

However, there are currently only seven in total.

Chairman John Cronin said the dwindling band of councillors had been further reduced by the resignation of a member at the group's last meeting.

“We are struggling. There are times when we are not quorate. It is a bit sad when we can't make any decisions.”

The parish council is responsible for a number of services in the village include the play area, war memorial and fountain. The parish council also employs a litter picker.

The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the village hall and anyone who wishes to find out more about the parish council is welcome to attend.