Would you be interested in putting something back into the community and making a real difference locally?
Now there is an exciting opportunity to do just that!
Weymouth will elect its new town council on 2 May this year. It means that residents will get 29 new councillors in 12 wards. You could be one.
You could influence the most local of political decisions, promote the interests of your area as well as that of the town itself, and influence how the budget is spent.
Weymouth is set to be one of the country’s largest town councils and its responsibilities will cover everything from events and celebrations to cemeteries, public toilets, allotments, parks and gardens and the beach and esplanade. Operating from the Town Council offices at Commercial Road community engagement will be key to its success in delivering what the residents of Weymouth are passionate about.
You may not have had any experience of being a councillor before, but you will have support and guidance of Jane Biscombe the experienced Town Clerk and her team, and training will be available to all councillors to help you along every step of the way for your first five-year term in office.
Jane said: “This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the brand new council and be a voice for your local community.
If you care passionately about Weymouth and want to make our wonderful town realise its potential for the people who live, work and visit, we want to hear from you.”
How can I get involved?
Two public drop-in sessions are being held to provide more information about the council, being a councillor and how to stand:
Wednesday 6 March 2pm – 7.30pm in the Council Chamber at Commercial Road, Weymouth, DT4 8NG
Saturday 16 March 10am – 2pm, Weymouth Pavilion, The Esplanade, DT4 8ED
More about becoming a town councillor
What do councillors do?
Councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes. Becoming a councillor will allow you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which services and projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure the services are meeting your community’s needs.
How much time does it take?
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Local Councillor Census Survey found that councillors put aside, on average, three hours a week for council work. This often includes attending meetings, engaging with residents and speaking on behalf of the council to other bodies.
Can I stand?
There are only a few rules to stand for election. Basically, you must be:
- A British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, or the European Union
- 18 years of age or older
- Live, work, own or tenant property or have business interests within 3 miles of Weymouth Town Council boundary.
It does not cost anything to stand for election and you do not have to represent any political party. Nomination packs are now available to download from the dorsetforyou website www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk. Completed nomination papers signed by 10 electors registered in the ward in which you wish to stand can be submitted to the Returning Officer at any time from Monday 18 March up to the deadline of 4pm on Wednesday 3 April 2019. These must be delivered by hand and cannot be accepted if they arrive in the post.
Make a change, make history, become a Weymouth Town Councillor and see what difference you can make to your local neighbourhood.
The first meeting of the new council will be on 14th May at 7pm. All council meetings are open to the public. Keep the date free.
For more information about becoming a councillor, please contact: Susan Wilthew Mobile: 07741 906667 or email [email protected]
or visit Dorset Association of Town and Parish Councils website.
Please note this information has been issued on behalf of Weymouth Town Council by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council.
