A CALL for 'new blood' was this week issued by Okehampton's mayor-elect, following last week's local elections.

The new town council has 14 seats to fill, but with only twelve nominations, the people already up for town council were elected unopposed on May 5. This left two vacancies in Okehampton East ward to be filled.

These vacancies will be advertised to be filled by co-option once the new council has met for the first time, with no need for an election.

The council is hoping to attract a wide range of applicants representing and reflecting the make-up of the community the council serves.

Town councillor and new mayor-elect Maureen McDonald said: 'We would really like to see some fresh blood in the council this year.

'We're looking for people of any age who can best represent their local communities.'

Anyone interested in representing their community and helping to shape the future of the town on behalf of residents can apply to be co-opted, as long as they fulfil the criteria which will appear in the upcoming advertisement.

As well as attending full council meetings, councillors serve on two of the council's committees.

The parks committee attends to Simmons Park and other open spaces such as the skate park, car parks, cemetery, bus shelters and outdoor seats. The planning committee is consulted on all planning applications as well as on wider strategic planning issues for the town.

The property committee is responsible for all council property including the town hall and charter hall. Finally, the policy and resources committee deals with finance and budgetary framework, as well as IT, personnel and staffing matters.

Meetings for these committees are usually held on Monday evenings, but are held on Tuesday nights during the week of a Bank Holiday. Other working party meetings are arranged for times to suit the membership.

For anyone thinking about becoming a town councillor and wanting to find out more information, the town clerk or one of the councillors would be pleased to answer any questions or have an informal discussion. This can be arranged by calling the council on 01837 53179, or calling in at the town hall.

For more detailed information on the work of the council visit http://www.okehampton.gov.uk">www.okehampton.gov.uk