Borough and parish council elections

Wellingborough Council will publish the notice of elections this week, and anyone interested in standing for the borough council or parish councils has from 28 March until 12 noon on 4 April to submit their nomination form. The elections will take place on Thursday 5 May 2011.

There are 36 borough council seats and 127 parish council seats up for election. To be accepted as a candidate, people must have their nomination proposed and seconded by members of the public on the electoral register in the area where they want to stand. Prospective borough council candidates must also have signatures from an additional eight 'assenters'.

There are certain requirements which must be met in order to stand as a candidate, such as being at least 18 years of age and being a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of any other EU member state. There are also reasons why people can be disqualified from standing, such as being employed by the council, being the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order, or having been sentenced to a term of three months or more in prison during the five years before polling day.

Councillor Thomas Pursglove, who was elected to the borough council's Croyland ward in 2007 at just 18 years of age, explains why people should consider putting themselves forward: "Not only are elections and the democratic process that they embody great fun, it is also a huge honour to represent your constituents if elected. Being a councillor is by no means an easy task, but it is immensely rewarding.

"If you wish to shape our community, and you have the time to commit to it, I would encourage you to consider standing for election in May. There really has never been a better time to be a councillor."

Nomination forms are available from the council's electoral services team by calling 01933 231 519 or emailing elections@wellingborough.gov.uk