A TOWN council is looking for people to stand in the upcoming local elections.

On May 6, parts of the country will take to the polls as residents vote in public representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

And now Tidworth Town Council has issued a press release urging those interested in getting involved to step up.

The authority has highlighted a number of attributes needed for those in public office including integrity, objectivity, accountability and openness among the desired personality traits.

In a statement online, the town clerk Carly writes: "What does it take to be a good town councillor?This is a question I am often asked; the answer is simply an interest in the community you live in and a desire to make it the best it can possibly be.

"I am quite often met with the response – ‘but I don’t have enough time’ or ‘I’m not qualified enough’. My reply to that is no qualifications required. TTC prides itself on being diverse and ‘life experience’ along with being understanding and being prepared to listen are the best qualifications a councillor can have. Problem solving is also a good quality to have."

"Time wise, the more time you can give the better and the more satisfaction you will get as an individual, but the minimum requirement is to attend monthly meetings including those of the committee you sit on, meeting are usually Tuesday evenings at 7pm so you will be looking at committing to two evenings a month.

"However sometimes life does throw things at us and it is acknowledged that this not always possible. There is a 6-month non- attendance rule whereby if you do not attend ANY meetings for 6 consecutive months you will be disqualified."

To become a councillor, you must be at least 18 years old, a British, European or Commonwealth citizen and will need to be registered on the electoral roll.

You must also work mainly in the town you wish to stand for and live within three miles of it for at least twelve months before the day of the election.

The town clerk added: "When you become a councillor, you will have to complete an Acceptance of Office which includes you agreeing to abide by the council's Code of Conduct, which is based on seven principles which are: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership."

Local elctions will take place on May 6, 2021.

For more information, visit tidworthtowncouncil.gov.uk.