RESIDENTS across the county are invited to give their thoughts on the issues affecting their local area.

Gloucestershire County Council’s citizen’s board, coined the People's Panel, is looking to recruit residents from all walks of life to give their views about council services and issues affecting Gloucestershire.

Members of the panel will be invited to comment on services and issues affecting their local area via online and postal surveys, local events and occasionally face-to-face focus groups.

The council seek views on a variety of topics from caring for the vulnerable to highway schemes, road maintenance and transport provision.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of GCC, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local residents to have their say on matters that they really feel passionate about.

“We are encouraging everyone who is eligible, regardless of their background and where they are from in the county, to get involved.

“By signing up you will help to ensure that council decisions are representative of a wide cross section of the community.”

All residents aged 16 or above and living in Gloucestershire are eligible to join the panel, excluding council officers and councillors.

The recruitment process and ongoing running of the panel will be carried out by Opinion Research Services (ORS), an independent organisation.

To sign up visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/peoplespanel