More people are being urged to stand in any forthcoming parish council elections.

Silsden parish councillor and Yorkshire Local Councils Associations (YLCA) vice-chairman Michael Elsmore says he would encourage anybody thinking about standing on their local parish council to quickly get their nomination forms.

"Should there be an election I would look to see a good turn-out of people to be elected to their parish council," he says. "It would send a clear message to the district councils that parish councils are the first tier of local government. And, as the YLCA says, they are the closest to the people."

His comments come as nomination forms for elections on May 6 become available. Twelve places are up for grabs in Silsden.

There are over 600 parished areas in Yorkshire and most of them will be facing elections. The YLCA says this level of government is facing exciting times in the future. The clear message is that by becoming a councillor at this very local level people really can make a difference.

"Parish and town councils have been the subject of jokes," says Ian Strong, secretary of the Association. "But from where I am, at the centre of a busy advisory organisation dedicated to supporting their work, I see so many fine examples of local action which are, more often than not, both well-informed and effective."

Cllr Elsmore believes that parish councils are here to stay. "They have been in force since 1894," he points out. "Bradford council has only been going 25 years. I think the parish council will outlast Bradford council in the years to come."

The YLCA represents member parish and town councils throughout North, South and West Yorkshire, advising on all aspects of parish and town councils. This includes legal and technical advice as well as speaking on behalf of the councils on issues which affect them. The YLCA firmly supports democratic local government at parish level.

Nomination forms for those wishing to stand for Silsden parish council are available from the parish clerk Joanne Conway on 01535 654309.

Papers must be returned to the Electoral Registrations Unit, City Hall, Bradford, no later than noon on Thursday, April 8.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.