BAILDON is critically short of town councillors with only six out of 12 spaces occupied on the council following elections last week.

And half a dozen folk keen to play a part in community decision-making are desperately needed to come forward before the end of this month.

The selected six will then be co-opted onto the council, a process whereby the Council considers applications from interested persons and can then choose people to fill the vacancies.

Former town council chairman Chris Flecknoe has just stood down from all her elected duties and said it was a shame not enough volunteers had come forward to work for the good of Baildon.

"I was disappointed. I really thought a lot of people would stand for election," she said.

"I think some people are a bit fearful it will be very political - well it isn't at all.

"We are all independent and there is no requirement for party politics at all," Mrs Flecknoe said.

"People can be members of political parties and be on the council, but there's no conflict, it's just all about helping Baildon.

"I would really encourage people to offer themselves as town councillors - it's a really positive way of helping address local issues.

"There is a small amount of money which we can use and while it may not be earth-shattering sums, we really have helped things like the Farmers' Market and improving the Christmas lights.

"And actually, it's not always big things that change the quality of life."

Mrs Flecknoe, an active member of the town's Methodist Church and the Walkers are Welcome initiative, said the town council needed diversity and more young people.

"I'm really sorry to have left the council - it's a really interesting and rewarding thing to do.

"I'll really miss it," she said.

The town council grew into being after a group of residents created Baildon Community Council in June 1997 as a way of promoting matters of local importance and liaising with existing authorities.

This subsequently became Baildon Parish Council, which held its first full meeting in May 2007.

Baildon officially became a town when Baildon Parish Council resolved that, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972 s245, the Parish of Baildon shall have the status of a town.

The council provides community grants to specific requests from local groups and organisations three times a year and this Friday, May 15 is the deadline for the current round of applications.

The annual precept which the town council raises per Band D household is £15.32 and gathers a budget of £105,000, which is shared out between designated projects, such as the recent installation of an electric car charging point in the Ian Clough car park.

The council also runs Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, where it is currently recruiting a part-time manager and is also responsible for drawing up local development plans.

Another major role is representing local opinion on planning applications to be decided by Bradford Council.

The deadline for written applications to become a Baildon town councillor is Friday, May 29.

Applicants will be expected to give a brief three minute presentation to the Town Council meeting on Monday, June 8 which starts at 7.30pm.

For full information on how to apply, contact the Town Clerk on clerk@baildon town council.gov.uk or 01274 593169.