Chard Vacancies – Can you help?
Following the article about Chard Town Council in our December edition, we have just been given notification that the Town Council have re-advertised three vacancies on the Town Council. As we reported, Cllrs Mrs Sue Wyatt, Mrs Jenny Orchard and Dave Orchard have resigned and the Town Council would like to recruit new councillors.
As this is within 6 months of the Town Council elections (which take place on 2nd May), on this occasion there does not need to be an election. In fact the rules dictate that the Town Council does not have to fill the vacancies at all but…..if anyone is willing to serve, the council can choose to co-opt new councillors.
This is a good opportunity for anyone thinking of standing in the May election. Why not give it a go and see if it is the sort of thing you would enjoy? If you don’t like it you can simply stand down in May.
Meanwhile the town, as many others in Somerset, will is looking for more people who are able and willing to put themselves forward for the town council elections this May.
Can I stand?
There are only a few rules to stand for election. You must be:
- A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union
- 18 years of age or older
- Live in an area that is served by a local council
What do councillors do?
Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes. Becoming a councillor will allow you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which services and projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your community’s needs.
How can I get involved?
Contact the Town Clerk at The Guildhall, Fore Street, Chard, TA20 1PP, http://www.chard.gov.uk chardtowncouncil@chard.gov.uk 01460 239567 to find out more or visit http://www.nalc.gov.uk/elections