Wanted: councillors

THE Thornbury area's councils need a key ingredient this year - the councillors who will make the decisions.

In this year's local elections on May 4, all 61 seats on South Gloucestershire Council and a total of 492 town and parish council seats across the district are up for grabs.

The elections come around every four years and are a chance for adult residents of an area - whether a member of a political party or independent - to win a place representing their community and helping decide how public money is spent.

Anyone who would like to be a parish or South Gloucestershire councillor can get nomination papers now - they can be submitted between March 27 and 4pm on April 4.

To be nominated as a candidate, you need the signatures of two residents on the current electoral register for the ward.

Unlike parliamentary elections, you do not need to pay a deposit to stand as a candidate.

Thornbury Town Council has 16 seats to be filled - four each in its North East, North West, South and South East wards.

Almondsbury has 13 seats to be elected, while there are five to fill in Rockhampton, seven each in Cromhall and Falfield, nine in Charfield, nine in both Oldbury-on-Severn and Olveston, 11 in Alveston and seven on Tytherington and Itchington Parish Council. There are 10 seats to fill on Frampton Cotterell Parish Council.

Further afield, newly-created parish councils for Charlton Hayes, Stoke Park and Cheswick, and Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, along with a new town council for Kingswood, will elect their first ever members.

There are fewer seats but more power and responsibility for members of South Gloucestershire Council, where three seats up for grabs in Thornbury, along with two in the Severn Vale ward covering the villages to the north, west and south of the town, one in the Charfield ward to the north east and three in Frampton Cotterell to the south east.

South Gloucestershire Council is encouraging anyone who wants to make a "real difference" to consider standing for election.

A spokesperson said: "People from all backgrounds and experiences who can reflect the communities they serve are needed.

"You do not have to be a member of a political party to stand for election - you can also be an independent councillor.

"Being a councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling role where you help make decisions on the issues that matter to local communities."

The council is holding briefing sessions for prospective candidates at Kingswood Council Chamber on March 6 and 9.

For more information about becoming a candidate, visit beta.southglos.gov.uk/ stand-for-election, call 01454 863030, email electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or write to Electoral Registration, PO Box 1953, Badminton Road, Bristol, BS37 0DB.