PEOPLE in Consett and the surrounding area are being given the chance to be part of the decision-making process in their community.

Derwent Valley Partnership is looking for two public representatives to sit on their board and have a say on how money is spent locally.

Gordon Elliott, head of partnerships and community engagement at Durham County Council, said: “Public representatives are valuable to Derwent Valley Partnership, as they bring their individual experience and local knowledge of communities to the table.

“It’s a very rewarding role as you get to play a part in how cash is spent to improve services locally.

“I would urge anyone interested to get in touch with Derwent Valley Partnership to find out more.”

A public representative can serve on the partnership board for up to four years and would be expected to attend meetings which would take place at least once every two months.

They can also get involved in a variety of task groups which are designed to look at local priorities and develop ideas and possible solutions.

Over the next 12 months Derwent Valley Partnership will be focusing on health and wellbeing, environment and employment, enterprise and training, with themes of children and families, community safety and transport, traffic and roads.

Anyone aged 16 who works, live, works, volunteer or studies in the can be a public representative.

To receive the full application pack, contact a member of the partnership team on 03000-260-725 or e-mail dvaap@durham.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is Friday, April 12.