WESTBURY Town Council currently has two casual vacancies for co-opted councillors. Town councillor, Jane Russ, has put to bed some myths about the role to encourage residents to apply.
Cllr Russ said, “People say they can’t be a councillor because they have no experience, don’t have the time, think it isn’t important and won’t make a difference. In my personal experience, all of these points are irrelevant. If you live in an area and have a view about anything, then you could be a councillor.
No experience
“Most people have no experience of how local government works, but joining a town council means you will find out, with the help and support of other councillors and council officers.
Don’t have the time
“The thing about joining a town or parish council is that you put in as much time as you have available. You only have to attend six meetings a year and that really isn’t a lot. If you have a particular interest, like planning, or the climate emergency, then you will want to join the appropriate committee/working group to have your say.
“There is one councillor who only ever attends the minimum number of meetings, never ever votes and never volunteers for any committees or working groups. One wonders why they attend but it is their right as a member of the public to be part of the council and they meet the minimum criteria. It may seem pointless, but democracy does seem odd sometimes.
Think it isn’t important
“A town or parish council is the bottom rung of the democratic ladder and whilst it is unpaid and therefore could be considered unimportant, when it comes to things that really matter in your community, it can make a difference. The opposition to the building of an incinerator in Westbury has seen local pressure groups, with the strong support of the town council, make a real difference and change the previous decision of the unitary council to approve it. However, this war is not won yet and we have the battle of the planning inspection of the application coming in November. This is a crucial issue for Westbury and the town council stepped up and met the challenge.
Won’t make a difference
“I think just turning up means at the lowest level you are making a difference. You are showing that you care for your community enough to step up and be counted. If you care, be that person and you will make a difference.”
Full information about the town councillor role can be found here: www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk/dept/councillors-ward-map
The deadline for applications is Friday 30th September. If you would like to discuss this role in more detail contact Deborah Urch, town clerk on 01373 822232 for an informal chat or to arrange a meeting.
