HOUND Parish Council is looking for public-spirited locals to serve on the village authority which has been under-strength since last May.

Just eight names were put forward for the 15 seats on offer when nominations closed for the council earlier this year.

It meant that villagers did not have to turn out for an election - but left the parish council short of bodies. Three councillors were co-opted on to the authority shortly after May and there have been another two recent co-options.

But the council still has two seats to fill and is now inviting anyone interested in joining to contact parish clerk Sue Hobbs at the parish office, 22 Station Road, Netley Abbey, telephone 023 8045 3732.