Do you have a keen interest in the Stonehouse community, wish to be involved in local decision making and representing the views of local residents? If the answer is yes, you may be the perfect person to become a town councillor.
The town council elections are taking place on Thursday 6 May and 14 seats are available in Stonehouse.
Applicants must be a British citizen (or a citizen of the Commonwealth or European Union), aged 18 or over and have lived or worked in the town for at least one year.
Town councillors set the precept and decide how the budget is spent each year; comment on local planning applications; support local businesses; award grants to schemes such as Stonehouse in Bloom, Share and Repair and Homestart; campaign for improvements such as the re-opening of Stroudwater Station and take a leading role in tackling climate change locally.
Council Leader, Neil Gibbs, said: “The role of town councillor is an interesting and varied one and the town council is keen to encourage applications from all sections of the community.
“Councillors are volunteers who give up their time to make Stonehouse a great place in which to live, work, study and visit for shopping and leisure. Every person has skills and experiences that will add a new element to the council.
“Please put yourself forward if you would like to make a difference to your local community.”
As well as serving on committees, councillors can join working groups on subjects that interest them such as youth services, canal rejuvenation and recreation.
Nomination packs are available as a downloadable document from Stroud District Council or in paper format by request to elections@stroud.gov.uk or calling 01453 766321. The Town Council has a limited number of nomination packs available at the office (to collect by prior appointment 01453 822070).
The nomination papers must be signed by two electors from the ward you wish to stand in and submitted by hand to Stroud District Council at Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, Glos. GL5 4UV between 9am on 23 March and 4pm on 8 April.