THE SEARCH is on for a community spirited citizen who would like to join the Isle of Wight Council's independent standards committee to act as a local government watchdog.

The committee's remit is to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by the members and co-opted members of the Isle of Wight Council and the town and parish council on the Island.

The authority was one of the first in the country to establish an independent standards committee to consider formal complaints against councillors. The committee meets usually no more than four or five times a year and is guided through standing orders and legal technicalities by qualified officers.

People from all walks of life are invited to apply but you must be aged 18 or over, and live or work on the Isle of Wight.

Democratic services manager Chris Matthews said: "It is important that members must be, and must be seen to be, totally independent of the council. Therefore, it will not wish to appoint anybody who is an active member of any political party, or who has been a member or officer of the Isle of Wight Council, or any of its predecessors."

To apply call Chris Mathews, democratic services manager at County Hall, Newport, 01983 823280. Completed application forms must be returned by Friday, February 14.