TORRIDGE District Council has vacancies for independent representatives to serve on its overview and scrutiny committees.

There are two vacancies on the internal scrutiny committee and one on the external scrutiny committee.

The role of the committees is to review and scrutinise decisions taken by the council's main committee. They can make recommendations to the decision-making committee or to full council.

The overview and scrutiny committees also have a role to play in developing council policies and in setting the council's budget.

Council solicitor and monitoring officer Ken Miles said: 'There are no formal qualifications required for the vacancies, but applicants should possess sound common-sense and have a desire to do their best for the community.

'The external committee can also scrutinise issues that might normally be dealt with by other organisations such as health or crime and disorder, while the internal committee can have a real impact on improving council performance.

'It'll be a fascinating role for someone.'

The position does not attract a salary although reasonable travelling expenses will be paid.

The committees are made up of 12 members, nine of whom are Torridge district councillors and three are independent non-elected members of the public.

For further information, or an informal discussion, contact the corporate services manager Jon Walter on 01237 428784 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]