BRAMSHOTT and Liphook’s Neighbourhood Plan is on hold until more volunteers come forward to join the steering group.

A number of volunteers have already come forward, but a steering group chairman is needed before the plan can move forward.

Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council chairman Michael Croucher said: “We need to find a chairman of the steering group, and it ideally should be someone who lives outside Liphook, as they will be a bit more independent than someone who lives in Liphook.

“We also don’t have enough young people on the steering group at the moment.

The average age of the steering group is about 67, which is too high. Younger people will bring a different perspective, and we have got to be flexible with our meetings as younger people work.

“We have undertaken to meet at their convenience, which is easy enough to do.

“A lot of people said they commute out of Liphook, so we might have to meet on weekends or Friday nights.

“We have about 14 people on the steering group, and another problem is that we only have one lady.

“The criteria says there must be a balance of males and females, a balance of ages and a balance of skills.

“We have been advised that until we have the right cross section of people we might run out of steam.”

The steering group comprises members of the public and parish councillors.

“There are four parish councillors on the steering group,” said Cllr Croucher.

“These are myself, the chairman of the planning committee, and two other parish councillors. District councillor Rebecca Standish is also on the steering group.”

Anyone who wants to join the steering group should visit www.bramshottandliphook-pc.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan and fill in the form, or call the parish office on 01428 722988 for details.