Community Councils make a difference
Written by admin on August 29, 2012
Elections for Community Councils in Dumfries and Galloway will take place on 4th October 2012 and if you are 18 years or over, appear on the Register of Electors in your Community Council area and have a desire to play an active role in safeguarding, promoting and representing your community this opportunity is for you.
Community Councils are key partners in local government and in developing local communities, with the aim of maximising the benefits for local people and their communities.
Jean Muir of Kirkmahoe Community Council explained how beneficial the Community Council has been to local residents in that area and is encouraging everyone to think about becoming a Community Councillor.
Jean said; ‘We have as a Council been able to organise parties, concerts and galas in the past, install planters in our area and have lobbied and expressed the views of our community on subjects such as wind farm applications and flood prevention schemes. The really good thing about being part of the Community Council is that we didn’t know each other and through the Community Council we have forged new friendships and all get on for the good of the community’.
Many Community Councils see a major part of their role as protecting and promoting the identity of their community. Some Community Councils including Kirkmahoe produce community newsletters offering vital information to their community. Others are setting up and running children’s play-schemes, one-off events and leisure outings. Communicating with local authorities, public bodies and the community is crucial to how the Community Council can best represent its area. Identifying issues which could affect your community is also an important part of the Community Council’s role.
You can be nominated to become a Community Councillor if you are 18 years old or over, appear on the Register of Electors in your Community Council area and have two proposers whose names also appear on the Register of Electors for that Community Council area.
Nomination forms must be submitted to your Returning Officer by 5pm on Friday, 7 September 2012
For further information on Community Councils and on how to become a Community Councillor go to www.dumgal.gov.uk/communitycouncils or call 030 33 33 3000.
