Laura Kerr, 28, from Troon has been a South Ayrshire 1000 member for several years and believe it is vital for people to make their views and ideas
South Ayrshire Council is looking for recruits to a unique group of people who will have the opportunity to make their voice heard on how local decisions are made.
The South Ayrshire 1000 is, as the name suggests, a panel of 1000 people who undertake to complete one survey in a two year period, aimed at making their views, opinions and ideas known to the Council.
There are options to take a more active approach, such as additional survey work, or attending meetings with other like-minded South Ayrshire 1000 members, but the minimum commitment is one survey in a two year period.
Leader of South Ayrshire Council Bill McIntosh explained: "Our focus is the delivery of high quality and continually improving services to our residents.
"Communities are constantly evolving and local needs are always evolving, so one of the best ways for us to keep pace with and respond to those changes is to listen to and act on the wishes of local people. This is particularly important at a time when our resources are under severe pressure.
"Efficiently and effectively matching our services to our residents' requirements is made easier with a flow of ideas, opinions and feedback and the South Ayrshire 1000 offers a chance to make an exciting and direct contribution to the work of the Council.
"What you say will have a direct bearing on our community planning and will impact on almost every area of Council operations, so it's vital your voice is heard.
Membership of the South Ayrshire 1000 is currently at 850 people and the Council is particularly interested in applications from younger residents aged 16 and over, young families and older residents, to ensure a broad spectrum of people are properly represented.
If the recruitment exceeds 1000, then applicant's details are kept on file, because panel members retire on a rolling three year basis. So there's a good chance you will get your opportunity to become an active member.
Laura Kerr, 28, from Troon said: "I've been a panel member for several years and believe it is vital for people to make their views and ideas known.
"I'm proud to be making a contribution and would urge anyone with an interest in seeing real change delivered in the community to become a member of the South Ayrshire 1000."
Brian Borland, 20 from Ayr said: "It's really important that young people come forward and make their ideas and opinions known.
"We will be the future in South Ayrshire and what gets decided now and in the coming years will have a direct impact on us. So if you're aged 16 and over, get involved – it's easy!"
Councillor McIntosh concluded: "Remember, you only have to complete one survey in a two year period as a minimum commitment, but the scope is there for you to make a real and positive difference to the work of the Council and the lives of local residents, by becoming one in a thousand and joining the South Ayrshire 1000."
You can apply online at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/sa1000/
Or write, with your name, address and contact telephone number to:
David Sherlock, SA 1000, South Ayrshire Council, County Buildings, Ayr, KA7 1DR.
Or, if you prefer, email your details, marked 'SA1000' to: david.sherlock@south-ayrshire.gov.uk