RESIDENTS in West Somerset have been taking delivery of invitations to become people of influence this week.

The hunt has started for people to join a group called the Somerset Influence Residents' Panel, which will be the biggest such organisation in the county.

The group will be responsible for telling local authorities

what its members think about local services and what is important to them in their neighbourhoods.

At leat 50,000 householders in Somerset have been randomly selected to receive a leaflet giving details about joining the panel.

The information provided by panel members will be invaluable to the future planning and delivery of services provided by authorities such as West Somerset District Council.

In return, those who sign up will receive regular updates on what is happening as a result of their views, plus an annual newsletter.

Residents will be able to serve on the panel for up to four years, with new members being recruited each year.

More information about the Somerset Influence Residents' Panel is available from County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY or via e-mail at somersetinfluence @somerset.gov.uk