Locals have less than a month left to have their say on the future of local government in Balsall and Berkswell.

Earlier this year, Balsall and Berkswell Parish Councils submitted a joint request to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) for a 'community governance review' (CGR), with a view of merging both parish councils into one.

A CGR can consider several options, including creating, merging, altering or abolishing parishes.

SMBC is asking residents to share their view by taking part in a public consultation which will run until 11.59pm on Wednesday 1 October 2025.

To learn more and to find out how to submit a response, please visit: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/balsall-berkswell-consultation.

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."