COUNCIL Recruiting New Members For Citizens’ Panel

RESIDENTS are being given the chance to have their say about local services and other important issues affecting life in Inverclyde.

People are being encouraged to share their views by joining the council’s Citizens’ Panel, which is made up of 1,000 adults from across the district.

Membership of the panel changes by approximately a third each year and the local authority is now seeking more than 300 new recruits.

The aim of the Citizens’ Panel is to regularly consult with people on a wide range of issues and to use their feedback to improve and develop services to ensure they meet the needs of Inverclyde residents.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The panel needs people from all walks of life and from all parts of Inverclyde.

“This is an opportunity to play an important role in shaping the future of the local area and make a real difference to decisions taken about that future.”

Panel members are sent two questionnaires each year covering a range of subjects like roads and transport, recycling, alcohol and internet access.

A newsletter is enclosed with each questionnaire outlining a summary of the results from the previous survey plus information on how the council has responded to feedback provided by panel members.

Around 3,300 people from across Inverclyde will soon receive a letter inviting them to join.

To register an interest in becoming a panel member, people should complete a short online survey (closing date 31 July).

Councillor McCabe said: “I encourage local residents to consider taking part in this initiative. As a member of the panel, they really can make a difference.”