Consultation on proposed merger of Crown and Central community councils

The Highland Council is today (Thursday 1 May 2014) launching a consultation to seek views on the proposed merger between Crown and Central community councils which is the option favored by the majority of the Millburn and Central Ward Councillors.  The Central Community Council area, which mainly covers the city centre, has never had a Community Council and despite repeated attempts, it has not been possible to attract enough interest to start one.

Following consideration of a number of options, the proposed option to provide the centre of Inverness with a Community Council is a merger between the long-established and active Crown Community Council and Central.  

Highland Councillors serving the Millburn and Central Inverness Wards support the move to provide the city centre with community council representation.

Councillor Ian Brown, City of Inverness Area Leader, said: “We are delighted that there is the possibility of the city centre once again having a Community Council to represent it.  Community councils play a vital role in their communities and we welcome the opportunity for the centre of our city to benefit from this representation.”

David Haas, the Council’s Acting Head of Community and Democratic Engagement, said: “The role of a Community Council is to act as a voice for the people living within its area, therefore it is important that the city centre has strong and effective representation.  Although Crown Community Council are agreeable to a merger as are the local Ward Members, we feel it is important to have a period of consultation to allow the public to express their views and opinions.”

The consultation will run until 31 July.  Any comments should be made in writing to the Central Ward Manager, Jimmy Flint – email jimmy.flint@highland.gov.uk or by post to Jimmy Flint, Central Ward Manager, Town House, High Street, Inverness IV1 1JJ.

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