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An exciting time to join the council
Jacquie Lucas
A vacancy on Driffield Town Council representing North Ward, after the resignation of Jacquie Lucas (pictured) due to ill health, is now to be filled by co-option.
Residents had until last Friday to call an election for the seat, and as there was no election called, the council can now co-opt an interested and eligible person onto the seat.
Co-option is a relatively simple process, whereby those interested are asked to apply in writing, telling the council a little about themselves, their interests and why they would like to become a town councillor, they then attend a meeting, where they address the council and then a vote is taken.
The candidate with a majority vote then takes their seat on the council.
It is expected that the co-option will be advertised shortly and take place in mid February or early March.
Many find being a town councillor a worthwhile and rewarding experience, local government at the grass roots level is a real way of making a difference to your community and tackling issues that matter to the people of the town.
While it can be appreciated that working on a council can be frustrating as being a democratic body decisions are made by a majority vote, all town councillors are there to work for the common good – to safeguard and promote their communities.
This is quite an exciting time to consider joining the town council, as we have some very worthwhile projects coming up, including the scheme to encourage people to get involved in keeping the town looking tidy and inviting to shoppers and visitors as well as a pleasant place to live, and we are also extending our Town Centre Group to look at the many recommendations set out in the recent Portas Report for town centres such as ours.
The work of the town council extends into many spheres of local life, from civic events to planning and the environment, as well as community events and the provision of essential services, such as the public conveniences.
With the impending Localism Bill, more and more emphasis is being placed on the importance and significance of town and parish councils by central Government and our opportunities to make a real difference will expand considerably.
If you are at all interested in joining us, call into the Market Walk offices and speak to either myself, Claire Binnington the town clerk, or my deputy, Rachael Stabler, to find out more.
If you want to make a difference, be a voice for your community and affect real change, then being a town councillor may be just the role for you.
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Weather for Driffield
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: East
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