THE committee which upholds the standard of conduct among councillors and officers at Bromsgrove District Council is searching for a new independent member.

The standards committee, which promotes the highest standards of conduct and helps handle complaints, has begun the search after one of its three independent members resigned.

The nine-strong committee meets six or seven times a year at the Council House in Burcot Lane.

Independent members must live in the Bromsgrove district and serve a four-year term.

There are no formal qualifications required for the position, but applicants who have a keen interest in the public affairs of the district will be preferred.

Disqualified Those who have been elected members of the council or officers in the last five years, relatives or close friends of present members and officers, or parish councillors are disqualified.

Claire Felton, head of legal and democratic services at the council, said: "Under government legislation, Bromsgrove - like every other council in the country - has a standards committee which has overseen the adoption of a code of conduct for members and plays an important role in ensuring that that code is observed."

Applicants should contact committee services officer Andy Jessop on 01527 881406.

For a detailed information pack write to Legal and Democratic Services, Bromsgrove District Council, The Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AA or email andy.jessop@bromsgrove.gov.uk The closing date for applications is Monday, March 26.