Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils encourages residents to make a change and become a councillor

Election day for parish and town councils is coming up, giving residents the opportunity to become involved in the affairs of their area by putting their name forward to become a councillor.

The message from the National Association of Local Councils for Thursday, May 4, is ‘Make a change, become a councillor’ with residents being asked if they passionate about their community and want to help make a long-lasting change or have concerns about a specific issue and want to do something about it.

The county-wide message going out to all residents aged 18 or more years underlines the importance of getting people interested in the future of their parish and giving them an opportunity to have a say on the future of their area.

The association said there is a need for people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put themselves forward for election.

The Make a Change campaign encourages councils to engage with as many residents from their community as possible, and is aiming to help improve councils through various experiences, skills, and knowledge, to become representatives of their communities.

Nottinghamshire Association of Local Councils secretary Tanya Grimes said: “By becoming a parish councillor you become somebody your community will look to for help, guidance and support, and be a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve.

“Seeing your community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped to make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.”

Branch chairman for Nottinghamshire, Mick Baker, added: “Parish councils typically meet once a month discussing issues such as crime prevention, planning, local amenities like village halls, community support and managing open spaces. Why not talk to your councillors and find out what they think about the role. If you are interested in becoming a councillor, the clerk to your council can help you find the necessary forms and to fill them in.

“Although the elections are not until May 4, nomination forms must be submitted to your district council by 4pm on Tuesday, April 4, so you don’t have long to think about it. If you miss this deadline, you will have to wait four years for another opportunity unless a councillor resigns in the meantime. Don’t wait: Make a Change now ­— become a parish councillor.”