If a councillor in Shepton Mallet has made an indelible mark on your life or the community, the clock is ticking to give them the recognition they deserve

With only three days left to submit nominations for the 2023 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards, residents of Shepton Mallet have a unique opportunity to bring national attention to local champions.

These annual awards honour councillors across England, Wales and Scotland, spotlighting those who have gone the extra mile. Winners will be unveiled at lavish ceremonies in London and Edinburgh in November. In Shepton Mallet, this could be an invaluable opportunity to showcase the best of local governance and give back to those who have worked tirelessly for the community.

This year's awards include five categories, offering a wide scope to recognise varied contributions. From community initiatives to long-term service, there's a category for every kind of councillor. Nominations can be made by anyone, be it residents of Shepton Mallet or council officers, and it takes merely seven minutes to complete the nomination. Importantly, you'll need to provide details about the councillor, why they deserve to win and the impact they've had on Shepton Mallet.

The nomination deadline is Friday, 22 September, so time is of the essence. Following this, a shortlist will be announced in October. Adding a global flavour to the proceedings, the awards also include a Global Local Cllr Showcase, celebrating councillors from around the world who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities.

On a broader note, the LGIU is marking its 40th anniversary by initiating a future-focused project. LGiU@40 aims to gather insights for better local governance, culminating in a comprehensive White Paper and research symposium later this year. As Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGIU, said: "Local communities simply would not function without councillors, who make such positive contributions to our lives every single day of the year."

For Shepton Mallet, this is not just about honouring individual councillors; it's about elevating the profile of the whole community on a national stage. Don't miss this chance. Nominations can be submitted here.