Community council disbanded amid conduct complaints
GLASGOW councillors have disbanded a community council following a breakdown in relationships between members. Calton Community Council had been suspended after complaints about the conduct of some members, and a council report revealed an “impasse” had been reached in attempts to resolve the situation.
Council leader Susan Aitken said officers, who recommended the dissolution of the council, had decided the disagreements were “irreconcilable”.
Following a number of resignations, the community council was first suspended in 2018 due to insufficient membership. But “a significant increase in membership” meant it returned to full operational status.
However, in July last year, the council was suspended again. The report stated it “was unable to function or to fulfill its general purpose to ascertain, co-ordinate and express the views of the community which it represents”.
Complaints to Glasgow City Council claimed correct procedures were not being followed.
City councillor Cecilia O’Lone said: “As one of the councillors for the area it’s sad to see that this has had to happen.
“I fully support the decision that has to be made. I hope that through due time and support we do actually get new representatives on to the community council as it’s important we have a level of community engagement and decision-making within the area.
“I wish the officers good look in getting a future community council set up.”
A steering committee had been set up to try to resolve the dispute but, after one meeting, it was “evident that an impasse exists which involves irreconcilable working relationships between certain community council members”.
The report added: “Respect and objectivity between all parties are made explicit within the code of conduct for community councils, and it is evident that certain community council members would be unable to meet this requirement of governance for community councils.”
The “collective membership” had “demonstrated it would be unable to conform”, leading to the recommendation for the community council to be formally dissolved.