AN information morning for would-be councillors interested in finding out more about standing in the next borough elections in May is being held in Okehampton this week.
West Devon Borough Council hosted the first of two information mornings in Tavistock earlier this month and this Saturday, (March 22) the focus shifts to Okehampton.
On May 1, 31 borough council seats are expected to be up for election and the council wants to make sure that interested parties know what they must do if they want to be a candidate.
A special leaflet ? ?A councillor . . .Who me?? ? has been put together by West Devon giving prospective candidates an idea of what would be expected of them.
The leaflet gives a wide variety of useful information on everything from eligibility, training, clerical support, where meetings are held, and time off work to carry out council responsibilities.
Tony Rose, West Devon?s election officer, said the morning would be very informal and those interested could drop in at any time during the two and a half hours.
The borough has 44 town and parish councils, including grouped parish councils, with hundreds of councillors representing their communities. Each seat is open for election.
The leaflets are available from several outlets in West Devon and including libraries and parish clerks as well as the two West Devon Borough Council offices in Tavistock and Okehampton. The leaflet can also be viewed on the council?s website at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk
Elections are not only being held for the borough councillors but for parish and town councils too.
The information mornings is being held this Saturday, March 22, at the council chamber at Oaklands Drive, Okehampton, between 10am-12.30pm.
The election process begins in earnest in West Devon on March 24, with the publication of the notice of election. Nominations for councillors must be submitted to the borough council by 12 noon on Tuesday, April 1.
For more information on the election process, contact the elections officer Tony Rose on 01822 813600 or by e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected]