Surveys reveal that while many people want a say in how their area is run, many do not even know who their Councillors are.

Newark Town Council’s Town Clerk Jim Hanrahan explains: “From the right to make representations on planning applications, the state of footpaths and street lighting, events and festivals, the town council has a wide range of responsibilities. It makes decisions which affect your everyday life.

Many people may think that their opinions don’t count and public statements over the years have further reduced the hope that local action can or will make any difference. The answer is – you vote, you decide. It’s an important way of having your say on the issues you care about and choosing who will take decisions on your behalf.

Eighteen new Town Councillors have just been elected to represent your views and now the message from us all is please come along to our meetings, get involved and find out what's happening. By voting, local people are ensuring a better service for themselves from us.”

This year, the Boundary Commission have changed the ward boundaries. This means that the 18 Town Council wards, which each elected a single councillor, have been amalgamated into 5 wards electing multiple Councillors. The new wards have the same boundaries as the District Council Wards. For more information contact the Town Clerk’s Office on 01636 684801.