PEOPLE in Ilminster passionate about their town are being urged to stand for the council this week.

Nominations for the council opened today (March 15) with the local elections taking place on Thursday, May 5.

Ilminster Town Council has 15 councillors, and full council meetings are held around every six weeks in the council chamber on North Street.

The council looks after a number of the town’s services, with responsibilities likely to change in the months and years ahead.

Mayor of Ilminster Cllr Richard Beardon said: “Many people have completely the wrong idea about parish and town councils and think they are like something from The Vicar of Dibley.

“This is simply not true - with the proposed changes to local government the town council is likely to play an ever-increasing role in the local community it serves.”

Town clerk Julia Thorne is also encouraging people with an interest in Ilminster to put themselves forward.

Julia said: “A successful council depends on enthusiastic community-minded local residents striving to create a better town. People from all walks of life, with different ideas and beliefs are needed to represent the town.”

Cllr Beardon added: “I would urge anybody who cares about the well-being of the town to stand. This is an exciting time for the council - there are many decisions to be made.”

The deadline for the nomination period is 12noon on Monday, April 4. Nomination packs are available from Ilminster’s council offices or from South Somerset District Council.

For more information contact Julia Thorne on 01460-52149 or email town.council@ilminster.gov.uk