YOUNGER people are needed to join a parish council in Highcliffe and Walkford.

That's the call from Highcliffe Residents’ Association who are calling on younger people in the village to come forward and take part in setting up of a Neighbourhood Parish Council for the areas.

It follows the decision made by Christchurch council to set up two new councils in the area – Christchurch Town Council and Highcliffe Neighbourhood Council.

These will be ‘third’ level councils that will be close to their communities when the unitary council comes into effect.

The need for younger people to be properly represented was made clear at a recent meeting of the residents association.

The meeting also discussed the areas of responsibility which could be taken on by a parish council. However, it was felt the purpose of the new council should be to make the village a better place to live.

A small strategy group was set up of those people interested in standing as a parish councillor to formulate an outline local plan, and to assess what powers and assets will be needed to implement it.

Vice chairman of the association, Ian Hartnell, said: “Now that there has been a unanimous decision to set up a Parish Council for Highcliffe and Walkford, it is really vital that the younger members of our community put themselves forward to stand as councillors.

“We would be delighted to hear from any younger members of our community who feel that they would like to offer themselves to support our aims."

Anyone wishing to become more involved should contact Ian Hartnell via the HRA letterbox at The Old School, 254 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, BH23 5ET.