RESIDENTS who feel they have something to give to their community should consider standing for Knutsford Town Council.

So say long-standing town councillors Andrew Malloy and Stewart Gardiner ahead of the May 2 poll for the town council.

Cllrs Malloy and Gardiner have served on the council for 19 years between them, and the Guardian asked them for their views on the importance of the council and its role in the town.

Would-be candidates have until 4pm on Wednesday, April 3 to stand for election to the town council, with elections being held for all 15 seats.

Cllr Malloy represents the Over ward, and was elected to the council in 2011.

“I enjoy being able to help people with problems and concerns they may have and helping to promote the town further afield,” he said.

“I love helping people and businesses promote themselves and spreading the word about the wonderful things our townsfolk do.

“We are so lucky to have many community-minded people and businesses, and supporting them is really important to me.”

He encouraged people to stand for election to the council, which he said needed to reflect the range of opinions in the town to enable it to make informed decisions.

“Joining the council is a great way to lend your skills to the community, to support the town, its residents and businesses,” he said.

“This is the ideal opportunity to show people how you would do things and have an impact on the town’s future.”

Cllr Gardiner represents Nether ward, and has been a town councillor for 11 years.

“The town council is key to much community and civic activity, and its role has become much more important in recent years,” he said.

“I enjoy working with members of the community, and would recommend people stand for the council if they feel they have something to give to their community.

“I come from a long line of people who wanted to serve their communities, and being a councillor is my way of following their footsteps in helping others.

“Voting on May 2 is part of our civic responsibility – many people fought long and hard for ordinary people to be able to vote.

“Today we take it for granted – also fewer people vote in local elections, so your vote can make far more of a difference.”

Cllr Malloy added: “Voting in the local elections is the easiest way to have your say on how the town is managed and who represents you, while also letting existing councillors know whether you think they are doing a good job or not.”

For details about standing for election visit the town council website.