Nominations wanted for Highland Community Councils
The Highland Council is inviting nominations for people to join 8 community councils which have remained unformed following the election held in November last year.
Community Councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They express the views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues from new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have statutory duties: by law, the Highland Council must consult with Community Councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.
The eight Community Councils seeking nominations are:
• Ardgour Community Council
• Contin Community Council
• Glendale Community Council
• Holm Community Council
• Laggan Community Council
• Lochbroom Community Council
• Mallaig Community Council
• Stromeferry and Achmore Community Council
Should these Community Councils fail to form at this election then they will be formally dissolved.
The resignation of some members has brought four other Community Councils to below half their membership so there will also be interim elections to fill the vacancies for –
- Archaracle Community council
- Fort William
- Portree and Braes
- Staffin Community Council
The elections will take place on Thursday 16 September. Anyone interested in standing must be on the current Electoral Register for the Community Council area, or if aged 16 or 17 years old, have completed a Voter Registration application.
The Returning Officer for the elections is Steve Barron, Chief Executive of The Highland Council. He said: “Community Councils work to make positive changes in their local communities. Some Community Councils have worked to improve patient transport, dental services and care services as well as looking at ways to improve their environment for the good of the community and visitors to the area. It’s a great way to improve the area in which you live so I would really encourage anyone interested to consider this opportunity.”
Candidates wishing to serve can nominate themselves up until 4pm on Tuesday 16 August. Nomination forms and copies of the scheme of Community Councils can be downloaded from the Council’s website www.highland.gov.uk or you can e-mail elections@highland.gov.uk or telephone 01349 886606.