A parish shake-up could be on the cards in Solihull with merger plans.

Solihull councillors have agreed to a review and to consult residents on merging Balsall Parish Council and Berkswell Parish Council.

In May the clerks of both councils wrote a joint letter to Solihull Council saying: "Both Balsall and Berkswell Parish Councils have passed motions agreeing to make a joint request for a governance review into the merger of the two parish councils.

"The villages of Berkswell, Balsall Common and Temple Balsall are intrinsically linked.

"Residents of the villages use community and communal facilities crossing this boundary every day.

"We need one council to ensure a joined-up approach is taken for the benefit of all.

"The two parish councils work well together but there is a substantial amount of duplication of effort."

At the latest meeting of Solihull Council's governance committee on June 19 officer Matthew Rossi said a petition of around 500 signatures would force the authority to launch a review even if did not agree to.

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Cllr Andrew Burrow said a previous call for a review in 2017 failed as it appeared to some in Berkswell to have been "a takeover" by Balsall Common.

"That is not the case now – this a mutually-consented thing by a majority of councillors on both councils," he added.

Coun Heather Delaney, another Meriden councillor, said: "I live in rural Berksell village however Balsall Common is far closer to go to.

"I support this review, having a joined-up parish council would be more efficient.

"Simple examples are often when officers go out to consult over planning applications. They consult with the wrong parish council or name the wrong parish council in planning papers.

"We should support and go out to consultation because that is what they, as representatives of the local area, are asking for."

Cllr Bob Grinsell said he was supportive of a review but asked if the two parish councils could be approached to contribute towards the costs.

Chairman of the committee Cllr Josh O'Nyon's replied: "We can ask the question."

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Cllr Bob Sleigh said: "I fully support the proposal for a number of reasons – having come from a parish council background they do some excellent work."

Councillors voted unanimously to hold the review with the matter now likely to come to the next meeting of the committee for further discussion including over how the consultation will be conducted.