RESIDENTS are invited to Okehampton Town Council's annual town assembly meeting later this month to share their views on how the town is being run. 

The council holds the assembly each year to actively engage with the people of the town, inviting them to listen to the latest workings of the council and find out more about what is going on in and around the town. 

The meeting gives the public the chance to ask questions in a less formal setting than the regular council meetings on Monday nights.

The agenda will include a welcome by the town mayor Cllr Paul Vachon and an introduction covering some of the work that has been undertaken during the year.

Councillors from each of the council's parks, planning, property and policy and resources committees will be on hand to discuss any questions.

A number of Okehampton groups and organisations who have received grants from the town council in recent months will give short presentations.

Of particular interest will be a presentation on community renewable energy generation. 

Mr Andrew Shadrake of Devon Association of Renewable Energy will talk about the feasibility study for solar panels and micro-hydro power generation that has been commissioned jointly by Okehampton Town and Okehampton Hamlets Parish Councils. 

The study could provide the basis for taking forward a community energy scheme, generating power locally and, more importantly, paying for it locally.

To conclude the evening there will be an opportunity for any local elector to ask questions of the council, either as questions from the floor or questions submitted in advance of the meeting.  If a written question is put forward, it needs to be received at the Town Hall by March 17 at the latest.

The assembly meeting takes place at the Charter Hall from 7pm on Monday, March 23.

Refreshments will be available and information will also be on the town council's website http://www.okehampton.gov.uk">www.okehampton.gov.uk