TWO events are being organised by Watchet Town Council for people to find out how they can make their voices heard at the local elections in May.

An open day will held on Saturday (March 9) from 10am to 2pm at the Watchet Community Centre, and an open evening on Tuesday, March 12, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Visitor Centre in Harbour Road.

The purpose of both events is to explain what the town council does, who its members are, what being a councillor involves – and why everyone should vote on May 2.

It is also hoped that those who show an interest may wish to find out more about how they can become a councillor, and stand to represent Watchet.

Town clerk Sarah Reed said: “Some people may think that their opinions don’t count, or that local action won’t make any difference, but that is not true.”

She said the aim of the open events was to raise awareness and stress the importance of having a say on the issues that individuals care about.

“By voting for the councillors, people are choosing who will make decisions on their behalf. This then poses the problem of who their councillors are – many people are just not aware of who their elected representatives are.

“Therefore our message is simple: come along to Watchet Town Council’s open day, get involved and find out more about the council and help them to understand and represent the community’s needs.

“Both events are also being held to generate residents’ interest in how they can stand for election and become a councillor.”