TWO members of the public are being sought by Pendle Council to sit on its new Standards Committee.

The council is setting up the Standards Committee as part of its modernisation programme.

Its role will be to promote and maintain high standards of ethical conduct on the part of councillors, co-opted members of the council and employees.

It will also be asked to perform the same role for parish and town councils in the borough.

The two public appointments are open to anyone who has not been a Pendle councillor or employee of the council within the last five years and who is not a relative or close friend of a current Pendle councillor or employee.

Experience of how local government or other parts of the public sector work and/or other experience of dealing with ethical issues would be an advantage.

However, this is not considered essential as training in the work of the committee will be provided.

Meetings will be held about every six weeks at times convenient to members of the committee.

Philip Mousdale, the council's secretary and solicitor, said: "We are looking for two people who can take a firm, even-handed, common sense and practical approach in what can sometimes be difficult and sensitive areas.

"Initially, much of the work of the committee will revolve around the development of a Members' Code of Conduct and an Employee Code of Conduct."

For further details and an application form, contact the council's committee section on 01282 661648 or to discuss the matter in more detail, contact Mr Mousdale on 01282 661634.