MIDDLEWICH residents are being given the chance to hold their elected councillors to account as part of a watchdog scheme.

Cheshire East Council will appoint three people who live or work within the borough as ‘independent persons’, with a mandate to help deal with complaints against councillors.

The complaints in question would fall under the Localism Act 2011, which requires councils to maintain high standards of conduct and ethics.

Council leader, Cllr Rachel Bailey, said: “The way our members conduct themselves is of interest to many people.

“We want this process to be an open one. It is important that local people, who are independent of the council, should be included.

“We are looking for people with a keen interest in democracy and the workings of a local authority.”

Successful candidates will serve a four year term, and will receive expenses to attend ad hoc standards meetings.

In the interests of independence, applicants must not be politically active or have any relationships with council employees.

For an application pack or to check your eligibility, contact Cheshire East Council’s director of legal services, Bill Norman, on 01270 686003.

Alternatively, email monitoringofficercec@cheshireeast.gov.uk or write to Bill Norman, Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1HZ.

The closing date for applications is Friday, May 27.