IN last week’s paper, you wrote a short piece about the by-election in North Ward for Devizes Town Council on Thursday, August 3. This highlighted the reasons for another election so soon after the recent local elections in May. I know many people are fed up with elections and voter fatigue could lead to a very low turnout. I hope this doesn’t happen in Devizes next week as town councils really are an important part of local communities.
Town councils are not overtly political but the people on the council, like all of us, have values and opinions. These values are reflected in the way we make decisions. When decisions are made which affect people’s lives it is worth thinking about what town councils do and why it is important to vote for a councillor likely to reflect the values and opinions you share.
Town councils are the first tier of local government. They aim to engage local people and respond to their needs, by acting as community advocates and by providing services. Councillors are community representatives on other bodies as well and are notified of all proposals that have an impact on the lives, jobs and living conditions of local residents. It is the role of a local councillors to keep residents informed of decisions that are being made, before these decisions are taken, and to feedback the concerns and opinions of residents to the policy makers. Some councillors fulfil this role better than others.
If a Labour councillor is elected next week she will keep you informed and be a passionate advocate promoting policies that will improve the infrastructure of our town and encourage diversity, inclusion, and social solidarity. 
We have a growing population in Devizes, many of whom are facing real difficulties in a climate of prolonged austerity. At a time when local services are crumbling, the need for a strong community has never been greater.
It will take only a few minutes to vote and keep local democracy alive.
SYLVIA CARD
Chairman
Devizes Constituency Labour Party