Nominations now open for community council elections

[Kintyre Forum News]

Nominations now open for community council elections

COMMUNITY council elections are taking place for all community councils within the Argyll and Bute Council area in October this year - and nominations are now open if you want to take the chance to really get involved in your local community.

The formal Notice of Election has now been advertised across the area and nomination packs are now available from Argyll and Bute Council customer service points, on the council's website and also from the Returning Officer, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT.

Nominations close on Friday 27th September, when forms must be lodged with the Returning Officer no later than 4pm.

If you wish to become a community councillor you must be a resident within the community council area and be on the Local Government Electoral Register. Phone 01586 555300 for registration enquiries.

There are currently 56 community councils within Argyll and Bute, covering every geographical area from Cardross in the east to the islands in the west.

Community councils are voluntary bodies which exist within a statutory framework and which have been granted statutory rights of consultation. The general purpose of a community council is to ascertain, co-ordinate and express the wider views of the entire community within its agreed boundaries. They can complement the role of the local authority but are not part of local government. Their role is to ascertain in an active way the views of their communities in terms of local issues, needs and wishes, and to convey these views to Argyll and Bute Council.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Lead Councillor for Support and Customer Services, Louise Glen-Lee, said: “Community councils have the potential to add real value and vibrancy to life in Argyll and Bute’s towns, villages and island communities. It is a real opportunity for people to help to shape public services in their local area.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved to consider standing for election as a community councillor. It is interesting and challenging and can really make a difference, not only to life in your own community but to Argyll and Bute as a whole.”

If you are interested in standing for election, please contact the election office at elections@argyll-bute.gov.uk.