OKEHAMPTON Hamlets Parish Council has a vacancy for a new councillor.

Following the retirement of Dudley Luxton, the council is looking for a new member to fill his position.

To be eligible to apply for the position you need to be over the age of 18, a registered elector within the parish and be a British, European Union or Commonwealth citizen.

Applicants also need to live or work in the parish or within three miles of it, or own or tenant land or buildings within the parish.

Jane Gillard, clerk to Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, said: ‘This is your opportunity to represent your neighbours and community, and to have a say on what happens in your locality and find out more about the parish.

‘It is not an extremely time-consuming role but it is a rewarding one.

‘The Okehampton Hamlets Parish is an area completely encircling the main town of Okehampton and it expands outwards and includes areas of moorland. 

‘To give an idea, Okehampton Hamlets includes part of Exeter Road, the Exeter Road Industrial Estate, Okehampton Business Park, the Moorcroft Estate, the hamlets of Stockley, Brightley, Meldon and Southcott.

‘It also covers the new housing developments in Crediton Road including Kellands Lane, Broom Park, Hillside Drive, Little Marsh Road, Long Barton Avenue, Sterlings Way and Summering Close. The parish covers an area of 15.48 square miles.

‘The population of the parish has grown considerably in the last few years, and it will continue to do so with the further developments planned to the east of the town.’

To find out more information about how to apply for the role, or to have an informal chat about the role, contact the parish clerk on 01837 55728.

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 24.