AN APPEAL has been launched in Dodington to bring the council into the 21st century.

Existing councillors want younger members of the community to come forward to fill two parish councillor vacancies and add their views on issues affecting the area.

Chairman Cllr Mandy Sainsbury said: "We can and we do make a difference. We would like some other people who feel the same to join us.

"Ideally we would hear from some younger people, or someone who has young children, so we get a different perspective on the parish council."

The youngest member of the council is 50 and the eldest, Cllr Cliff Phelps, is nearly 90.

The vacancies for the north west ward, which encompasses most of the Shire Way area, have been empty for months.

It is thought many residents believe that because their postal address is Yate, their local council is Yate Town Council.

New recruit to the council, June Kent, said she was not aware that Dodington Parish Council existed until last year.

She said: "I ran homeless charity South Gloucestershire Bond Scheme until I was made redundant as the charity closed.

"I wanted to do something more locally and wrote to MP Steve Webb to ask what he suggested.

"I was co-opted on the council and am now vice-chairman of the planning committee and am involved in the website committee.

"You have to have a passion for the area you live in but you can get as involved as you like."

Cllr Kent, of Littledean, added: "I worked full-time before but now I get more time to get to know people in the community other than just my immediate neighbours."

The council’s top priorities this year include launching its first website, refurbishing Woodchester Park, improving the area’s underpasses and updating Kelston Close playing fields.

Added Cllr Sainsbury, who joined the council to fight a planning application for a phone mast outside her home in Blaisdon: "You need to be willing to stick your head above the parapet.

"From a personal point of view, what was a very negative experience with Vodafone, and to a large degree still is, has actually seen something positive come out of it.

"Even if we couldn’t resolve that issue I would like to think the council can help on others."

Parish councillors must be aged 18 and over and live within two miles of the ward they represent. For further information contact clerk Wendy Mayo on 01454 866546.