THE Vale of Glamorgan Council wants more local people aged 16 to 40 to help influence what happens in the county.

The council's Citizens Panel is a way to have a say in council decision-making and nearly 1,300 Vale residents are members - but the majority are in the 40 plus age group.

There is concern at the council that the voices of younger people are not represented on the panel.

Council chief executive, John Maitland Evans, said: "Panel members are generally in the older age range, as they are usually the people with the most leisure time.

"Their views and experience are very valuable, but often the priorities of an older person are very different from a younger person's.

"To help the panel truly represent the views of Vale residents we need young people to share their opinions.

"Members are only asked to give a few hours each year, to fill in questionnaires or take part in informal discussions."

l Vale residents who want to find out more should contact Rhian Thomas, on 01446 709687 or email consultation@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk