Council launches search for 1,000 residents to challenge services

The search is on for East Durham residents to play a part in shaping the future of council services.

District of Easington Council is looking for 1,000 community-minded people to join its new Community Advisory Panel.

Members will be invited to give their views on a wide range of issues that could include anything from new council policies to how to improve the appearance of their neighbourhoods.

Cllr Alice Naylor, District of Easington Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhood Engagement and Communication, said: “It is important that residents have the opportunity to give their views on council services, the issues that affect their daily lives and the neighbourhoods they live in.

“Some people already tell us what they think at council meetings, councillor ward surgeries and at our quarterly area forums as well as via our public information kiosks. Others have played a direct role in helping us to design and improve council services over the past year – from how we deal with waste to our policy on dog control.

“But this is a chance for many more people to get personally involved”.

“If residents have ideas on how to improve council services, want to have their say about what the council is doing for them or want to make a difference to the area where they live, we would like to hear from them.”

Residents aged 16-years-old and over from communities across the district will be receiving letters over the next few weeks inviting them to join the Community Advisory Panel.

If successfully selected, residents will be contacted up to three times a year to take part in surveys that could take the form of a postal questionnaire, short telephone discussion or a small informal meeting at a venue near their home.

Members may also be invited to full panel events and will be kept informed about the scheme through regular newsletters.

Anyone who is interested in joining the panel can contact the council on (0191) 527 0501 or fill in the application form by clicking on the following page http://www.easington.gov.uk/services/consultation/4-13329.asp