MALDON's adult residents are being invited to join people from across the county on a new panel to share their views and opinions on a variety of local issues.

The residents' panel, which will be run by Essex County Council (ECC), will ask those who join about a wide range of issues, which could include surveys on education, travel, the environment, mental and physical health, local services and amenities and more.

An ECC spokesperson said: "This is a unique opportunity to tell us your views about the services and issues that matter most to you. We will listen to the feedback and use it to help us improve services in the future.

"The only criteria for joining are that you are an Essex resident and aged 18 or above so I would strongly encourage as many residents as possible to get involved."

Panel members are unpaid, but there may be prize draws as an incentive for taking part. Most of the panel's research will be conducted online and there will be a maximum of one survey per month to complete. Panel members will not be obliged to take part in any of the surveys, although they will be encouraged to complete as many as possible.

To find out more about joining the panel visit the Essex County Council website here.