Following the decision to create new councils to represent the people and communities of Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, the first ever elections are now only two months away.

With this in mind, special events have been organised for residents to provide information on a range of topics including how to stand for election, how the councils will be funded, and what the new councils could bring to the area.

On Thursday, March 16, a drop-in event will take place at St Mark's Church in Oulton Broad from 12.30pm to 6pm, with information available specifically about the new parish councils. Following this, information will be available at the Lowestoft information event on March 17 (from 1.30pm to 4.30pm) and March 18 (from 10am to 4pm) at the old QD store in the Britten Centre, which is promoting a number of activities and projects in the town.

Colin Law, Waveney District Council leader, said: 'Town and parish councils play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a community's identity, services and quality of life. And as well as being able to deliver a range of key local services, town and parish councils are also able to support events and initiatives which promote community spirit and inclusiveness, award funding grants to deserving causes or groups and invest in an area's public spaces. This is an exciting time for local people.'

The new councils for Lowestoft and Oulton Broad will represent local people on local issues and will be responsible for some services and some assets in the area, like play areas, parks and gardens. The new council for Lowestoft will be a large council with control over several important local assets, giving residents and the new council the power to make a difference in their area.

The forthcoming events will also help people to learn more about standing for election if they would like to represent their local area. New councillors for both Lowestoft and Oulton Broad will be chosen by residents on May 4.

For more information about the new councils and details of the eligibility criteria for candidates standing for election visit www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/newparishes