THE town hall is calling on residents to ensure their voices are heard this May and turn out to vote for a new town council.

THE town hall is calling on residents to ensure their voices are heard this May and turn out to vote for a new town council.

Exmouth Town Council is holding two workshops later this month to explain to first time, lapsed and non voters what the council is, what it does, who the councillors are and why everyone should vote on election day.

On May 5 all of the town council’s 25 seats in five electoral wards are up for grabs and the campaign is running alongside another campaign to persuade ordinary residents to stand for election.

The drive is an attempt to increase voter turnout in Exmouth which in the last town council elections in 2007 was as low as 28.7 per cent in Withycombe and peaked at just 43.8 per cent in Littleham.

Exmouth Town Clerk John Wokersien said: “Some people may think their opinions don’t count or that local action won’t make any difference, but that’s not true and these meetings aim to set the record straight.

“The reality is that if you vote you decide what gets done… they make decisions which affect your everyday life.”

He added responsibilities ranging from making representations on planning applications, tree applications, signs to the state of footpaths and street lighting were just some of the increasing number of responsibilities and duties the council has.

“Soon you will be asked to vote for someone to represent your views and surveys tell us that although many people want a say in how their area is run they don’t know who their local councillors are.

“My message is simple come along get involved and find out more…by just voting and getting involved you will be able you ensure a better local service.

“Not using your right to vote is like inviting someone else too tell you hoe your life and community should be run.”

The workshops are on Wednesday January 19 from 4pm until 7pm and Saturday January 22,10pamuntil 12 noon at the town hall.