ENTHUSIASTIC and passionate Stroud residents are being urged to make a difference to their community by becoming a town councillor.

Residents will vote for representatives for all 18 seats on Stroud Town Council on May 5 this year.

The town council is holding an open evening on March 1 so people can find out more about what the role involves.

“Being a town councillor takes just a few hours a month of your time but you can make a valuable impact on the life of this town,” said Stroud Mayor Kevin Cranston.

“Town councillors can be anyone. What unites them is their interest and passion in local issues, their community and people and their willingness to get involved.”

To stand as a candidate for the town council you must be at least 18 years old, be a British, eligible Commonwealth or EU citizen; and have lived and/or worked in the parish area, or lived within three miles of it, for the previous year.

The town council is responsible for the green spaces in Stroud including the cemetery, Lansdown Hall and overseeing grants for community projects.

Since 2011 it has awarded £255,000 groups and organisations in the town.

Rachel Lyons, who has been a town councillor for five years, says she would recommend people to get involved and run for the town council.

“For me, it is helping to empower Stroud to become the best it can be,” she said.

“Money and resources are limited but I believe that the commitment and creativity of the community in Stroud means the possibilities are strong.

“It's about trying to create, with the resources available, an environment in which ideas and community can thrive.”

Nominations for the parish election open on March 22 and close April 7.

The open evening on March 1 is at the town council offices in London Road and is from 7.30pm.

Find out about what it means to be a town councillor at an open evening on March 1 from 7.30pm at the council offices in London Road.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a town councillor, please contact town clerk Helen Bojaniwska on 01453 762817 or email council@stroudtown.gov.uk