A NEW brochure has been published to encourage Disley residents to stand for election to the new Cheshire East Council.
The guide sets out what is required to be a councillor, how to stand, and the range of skills which would be invaluable.
Cheshire East Council will take over all the services currently provided by Macclesfield, Congleton and Crewe and Nantwich bor
ough councils and Cheshire County Council, from April 2009.
It will cover a population of 355,600, making it the third largest unitary council in the North West.
Voters will go to the polls on May 1 to elect 81 Cheshire East councillors.
In their first year, these councillors will oversee the development of the new authority, agree key strategies and policies, and set the new council's budget for 2009/10.
Those members of the council who are elected in 2008 will serve until 2011.
The detailed "Prospectus for Potential Councillors" has been issued to outline what it takes to be a member of the new organisation and the flexibility that exists to enable people with busy and demanding lives to become a councillor.
Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, who chairs the Joint Committee for Cheshire East, said: "Councillors in the new organisation will have a real opportunity to shape the neighbourhoods that they live in.
"It would be great to encourage people of all ages to serve on the new authority.
"We need councillors who want to make a difference.
"The role could be in making planning decisions, developing budgets, or being involved in neighbourhood consultation…the activities are endless."
To become a candidate, people do not have to be affiliated to a political party.
Copies of the "councillor pack" are available from libraries and council offices, or by calling 01625 500500.
It can also be downloaded from
www.macclesfield.gov.uk/cheshire-east.
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