Parish and town councils are appealing for new people to stand for election as many authorities are forced to host uncontested ballots amid a shortage of candidates.

With the deadline for standing as a parish or town councillor fast approaching, the chairman of the Kent Association of Local Councils is appealing for people interested to come forward.

Prospective councillors have until next Wednesday at 4pm to hand in their nomination paper ahead of the local council elections in May.

Parish and town councillors will be elected at the same time as those in boroughs and districts across Kent in less than two months.

To register, applicants must deliver a form to the returning officer at the district or borough council.

They will be expected to represent towns and villages for an average three hours a week.

Councillors attend meetings, speak to residents and help make a difference in their neighbourhood.

“Local councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes..." - Cllr Sarah Barker, Kent Association of Local Councils

There are more than 305 councils on the "first tier" of local government across Kent and Medway.

Parish councils' powers include looking after community buildings, street lighting, allotments and planning applications.

Yet a lack of interest has meant parish and town councils across the county have run uncontested elections or had people co-opted into their posts.

Chairman of the Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC), Cllr Sarah Barker, is calling on passionate people who want to make a difference to stand up for the elections.

She said: “Local councillors are the champions of their community and give residents a voice on the decisions the council makes."

Westerham town councillor Hannah Marsh said: "I decided to join the council because I wanted to make a difference where I live and impact my local community.

"I really enjoy being a local councillor.

"I would really encourage anyone who wants to make a difference where they live.

"You might only live in a small town, but actually you can have a big impact.

"You can get involved in the decisions that will affect where you live."

Applicants must be older than 18, live in the local area and must be either a British citizen, citizen of the commonwealth or from a country in the EU.

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