RESIDENTS in Sidmouth, Ottery and their surrounding areas have been asked to think about representing their communities by becoming a councillor.

RESIDENTS in Sidmouth, Ottery and their surrounding areas have been asked to consider representing their communities by becoming a councillor.

With next year’s local elections looming East Devon District Council (EDDC) has invited anyone interested to attend a special information event in Sidmouth.

The authority has appealed to residents who want to play a part in making decisions affecting their area, get more involved in their community, and influence the way local services are provided.

Parish, town and district council elections will take place in 2011.

Existing councillors and officers will be on hand to tell anyone interested what it means to be a community representative at EDDC’s Knowle offices next Tuesday, November 9, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm and from 7pm to 8.30pm.

“They will talk about the services that EDDC provides and how councillors get involved in making decisions that affect everyone in their community, from bin collections to planning applications. It is a very varied and important role,” said an EDDC spokesperson.