Members of Sandbank Community Council are concerned for its future after some community councillors left the influential local organisation.
Chair Sue McKillop said: “Sandbank Community Council numbers, sadly, are falling, even though our village is growing.
“As a result of Covid-19 and lockdowns some of our members have moved away or their commitments have changed, meaning that they can no longer give their time to the community council. “One has left to become a councillor for Cowal.
“Our interim secretary has resigned due to other commitments so we urgently need a secretary to be able to continue efficiently.”
Sue fears that the council could go the way of Dunoon Community Council, which is currently suspended due to a lack of members and is appealing to the many people who have recently moved to the area and perhaps do not know there is such a body.
She added: “There is an election in October so if you joined us now you would be co-opted on and if you decided that it was for you, elected in October.”
Sue gave a summary of what the community council does.
She said: “We are the voice of our community, speaking on its behalf to the council and government, when needed, about issues that affect our village life.
“A community council is a voluntary organisation set up by statute by the local authority and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area.
“As the most local tier of elected representation, community councils play an important role in local democracy. They are comprised of people who care about their community and want to make it a better place to live.”
Sue added: “As well as representing the community to the local authority, community councils facilitate a wide range of activities which promote the wellbeing of their communities.
“They bring local people together to help make things happen, and many community councils protect and promote the identity of their community. They advise, petition, influence and advocate numerous causes and cases of concern on behalf of local communities.”
If you are interested please contact Sue for an informal chat at [email protected]
Community Councils throughout Bute and Cowal would be delighted to hear from people wishing to join – and make a real difference in their communities.
