Ever thought about becoming a Councillor?

• Do you want to make a difference to your local community?  
• Do you want to improve local services for everyone?  
• Do you want to have a say in the future of your local area?  

If you answer yes to any of these questions then you should seriously consider becoming a local Councillor in Stratford-on-Avon District.

Councillors come from all walks of life and almost anyone can stand for election to their local Council but you must be a British, Commonwealth or European Union Citizen, 18 or over, be an elector within the District or have worked or occupied premises within it for the previous 12 months.

You don't need any experience as full induction training will be provided and there is an ongoing programme of structured training for Council members and you will also receive a basic allowance currently of £4,500.

It is not necessary to be aligned to any political party to stand as a candidate; however, if you are of a particular political persuasion the various political groups will always welcome new members and especially people interested in representing them as local Councillors.

The next District Council elections* take place on Thursday 3 May 2012 and the closing date by which you must submit your nomination is 12noon on Wednesday 4 April 2012.

For further information and an informal chat about becoming a Councillor please contact Stratford-on-Avon District Council on 01789 260202.

*Wards up for District Council elections in 2012 are: Alcester, Aston Cantlow, Bardon, Bidford & Salford, Burton Dassett, Claverdon, Ettington, Harbury, Henley-in-Arden, Kineton, Shipston, Southam, Stratford Alveston, Stratford Avenue & New Town, Stratford Guild & Hathaway, Stratford Mount Pleasant, Studley, Tanworth and Wellesbourne.

There is also the possibility of 44 parishes being contested this year.