The main role of a Town Councillor is to represent the views of all residents within the Town and to listen to, and understand, the views and needs of different groups in the community
What matters to you in your local area? Is it the state of the local park, the need for more activities for young people, improving services for older people, making the roads safer or ensuring that local businesses can thrive, ensuring that new building developments are in keeping with the area? Whatever needs changing in your neighbourhood, you could be just the person to change it by becoming a local councillor. Perhaps you are already involved in local affairs and want to take the next step. Or you may be looking for a worthwhile and rewarding way to help your local community.
Each councillor has their own reasons for running but the role offers the chance to make a huge difference to the quality of life for people in your local area. Being an effective councillor requires both commitment and hard work.
As a councillor, you will need to:
· Listen and be a voice for your community: the single most important task is to listen to the views of the people in their community. By doing this, Councillors gain important information about the concerns and aspirations of the people they represent. It is for this reason that many public bodies turn to the Parish or Town Council for information about the services they provide. For example, the District Council consults the local councils on planning applications which affect their area. Local councils act as a voice for their communities, responding to other authorities and drawing attention to issues which concern the community.
· Attend meetings: when elected, Councillors agree to attend all meetings that they are summoned to (if reasonably possible)
Seeing your community change for the better because of decisions you have helped make, is something that will give you a sense of achievement and pride.
Your fellow Councillors will be there to give you the benefit of their experiences.
For further information please contact the Clerk at the Town Council or speak to one of our councillors.
Address: Ongar Town Council, Bansons, Bansons Way, Chipping Ongar, Essex, CM5 9AS
Telephone: 01277 365348
Email: clerk@ongartowncouncil.gov.uk