Brown Edge residents will soon have the chance to have a say in how their local area is shaped, with an upcoming election to the parish council's Neighbourhood Plan Committee.

Brown Edge Parish Council invited residents today (Thursday) to apply to become a member of the committee ahead of an election meeting next month.

There are five positions available for members of the public to fill.

After they have applied, applicants will then be asked to attend a virtual Zoom meeting of the parish council on Wednesday, 7th October at 7.30pm, where they will be asked to give a brief presentation to the councillors.

A vote will then decide the successful candidates.

Members of the public are welcome to watch the meeting, but only members of the council will be able to vote for the candidates.

Neighbourhood Plans set out a vision for how an area will be developed in the future, such as where new shops, homes or offices could be built or which local green spaces should be protected.

They are designed to give local communities more influence over how their area is shaped.

If you are interested in standing for election to the committee, contact the council's clerk, Denise Wheat, by emailing [email protected]

Applications can also be received by post to Brown Edge Parish Clerk Denise Wheat, 3 The Island, Tean, Stoke-On-Trent, ST10 4JE.

Applications must be received by Monday, 5th October.