‘Your Town Needs You’….. Two new Councillors wanted – see how to apply

There are two Town Council seats vacant – one each in the West and East wards. The East ward seat will go to an election (click here to view ‘Notice’ issued by the Returning Officer) but the West ward seat will be decided by co-option.

The East election will only actually end in residents ticking boxes on a ballot paper if more than one person comes forward to stand for election. Ten (or more) residents from the East area electorate have already written to the Returning Officer stating that an election should take place, therefore a election will be ‘held’, although if just a single candidate it will be regarded as ‘uncontested’, no box ticking will take place and the candidate will automatically be appointed.

To stand as a candidate in the East ward, nomination papers must be ‘hand delivered’ to the Chippenham offices of Wiltshire Council no later than 4pm on Wednesday 15 March. Address details are on the Notice.

For the West ward, an entirely different process. Not enough residents (i.e. less than ten) wrote to the Returning Officer asking for an election so there won’t be one. No box ticking in a voting booth will be required. Rather any candidates who come forward to apply will be ‘co-opted – i.e. they will be selected by fellow Town Councillors. To apply – click here to link to the relevant form on the Town council website which can be downloaded, completed, and then returned (by e-mail or in person) to the Town Clerk (at the Town Council offices in the High Street) by no later that 4pm on Friday 17 March.

So, opportunities are there, but the role of a Town councillor is vital in the smooth running of the Town itself. Details of why were given in the recent story when the positions were originally announced at teh start of February.

Good luck, you will be needed……..