Release date: 26.02.08
Ref: BBC/PR/L&D/07/08

If you live in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth and fancy helping to make a difference in the town then why not become a town councillor.

Plans for a new Town Council for the Parish of Berwick-upon-Tweed have been given the go ahead by the Government and this means that people who live in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth will be voting on 1 May for town councillors; and you could be one of them.

Sixteen councillors will be elected across seven parishes, which are largely based on existing Borough Council ward boundaries.

A drop in session has been organised for people interested in standing for election to the new Town Council on Wednesday, 5 March at Berwick Library between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Councillors will be on hand to share their own experience and Council Officers will be available to give advice to prospective candidates and answer questions about the new Town Council.

Borough Secretary David Cook said:
“It is excellent news that the Government has approved the plans for a Town Council and that elections will take place this year. This means that people in Berwick, Spittal and Tweedmouth will have a much greater say on matters that affect the town. If you are interested in standing as a Councillor please come along to the drop in session on Wednesday, 5 March.”

Councillor Jennifer Waterhouse Chair of the Borough Council’s Town Committee also welcomed the news:
“We’re delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for a new Town Council. For years the rural part of the Borough has benefited from the work undertaken by proactive parish councils and it is appropriate that the largest community in the Borough will now be able to enjoy the same level of representation as its rural counterparts.”