GOOD or bad, we've all got opinions on the state of Taunton.

So if you fancy helping make important decisions about our town, how about standing to be a councillor on the new Taunton Town Council?

An information event for anyone interested in becoming a councillor on the new authority, which will be formed on April 1, takes place at the Deane House on Tuesday, March 7, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

It will focus on the practicalities of being a councillor and give an opportunity for you to discover what it entails.

Newly-appointed town clerk Donna Ford will be there along with key council officers. You will be able to ask questions about what being a councillor involves and how to stand for election.

Elections for 20 councillors covering 14 wards take place on Thursday, May 4.

Nomination packs will be available at the event and the process for preparing and submitting a nomination by the deadline of April 4 will be explained.

Town and parish councils are the most grassroots level of local government and can deliver services to meet local needs and improve community well-being.

Candidates do not need qualifications, just skills and experiences that best represent their community. These could include, for example, skills gained through volunteering or working with community groups.

The launch of the town council coincides with the unitary Somerset Council coming into being. City, town, and parish councils will, if they wish, play a bigger part in ensuring Somerset’s services are the best they can be. More powers will be devolved, and grassroots councils will be able to take on greater responsibilities.

Taunton Town Council will be responsible for street care and cleaning, parks, and open spaces - excluding Vivary Park - toilets, allotments, and events including civic ceremonies. It will be able to comment on planning applications.

The town council election also coincides with the national introduction of Voter ID. For the first time electors will need to show accepted photographic ID when voting at a polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by completing a paper form.