BUNTINGFORD Town Council is encouraging people to stand as candidates in next year s elections. At Thursday s town council meeting, Cllr Eunice Woods said: We want more people to stand as candidates and vote because otherwise you don t feel like you re a

BUNTINGFORD Town Council is encouraging people to stand as candidates in next year's elections.

At Thursday's town council meeting, Cllr Eunice Woods said: "We want more people to stand as candidates and vote because otherwise you don't feel like you're a real member."

In the 2003 Buntingford elections, there were only seven candidates standing for the 12-member town council. Five members were co-opted.

Town clerk Jill Jones said: "To have an elected council is true democracy. It's extremely important because people should be able to vote for people who they want to see on the council.

"And councillors feel better if they have been voted onto the council."

"People may feel they do not know enough about the workings of the town council to stand so it's something we are going to address during the summer."

Anyone who wants more information should visit the town council offices at the Manor House.

Mrs Jones said: "Prior to next year's elections we will be holding more open days at the Manor House where people can talk to myself and councillors and find out how the council works.

"An elected council is preferable for all concerned," she added.