Deadline for voting

TIME is running out for votes to be cast in a vital local election for one of the most active groups in the area.

Three candidates are standing for two vacant seats on Helensburgh Community Council - and votes must be in by Thursday, May 2.

By-elections are being held for community councils all over Argyll and Bute, but Helensburgh is the only place where the number of candidates exceeds the number of vacancies.

Residents Louise McCormack-Fisher, Bill Purdon and Simon Vella are standing.

The seats became vacant when long-time convener and stalwart member Norman Muir died in October, and when another member moved overseas.

HCC has been at the forefront of efforts to get Helensburgh Pier back into use for marine traffic, and made the only public bid to develop the neighbouring waterfront site.

In her candidate statement, Ms McCormack-Fisher said: “My family have lived in Helensburgh for 12 months, and we feel extremely fortunate living in a community that clearly cares about one another.

“I am a serving Royal Air Force officer of 23 years and have a breadth of experience of living in different communities that I feel could be beneficial as a member of Helensburgh Community Council.”

Mr Purdon, who has been involved in HCC’s work on the pier regeneration, said: “Since relocating to Helensburgh from Cyprus, where my wife and daughters were residing for 12 years, I have been a stalwart supporter of local developments.

“The town has so much wellbeing, growth potential and untapped resources that the future, for this previous bustling town on the north shore of the Clyde, is bright, if correct decisions are made for the benefit of all.”

Mr Vella added: “Having moved to Helensburgh three years ago I am hugely passionate about the potential the town has to offer and want to be an active voice and representative for our community.

“My experience in marketing and my commitment to supporting the local community already, through my involvement with the Hermitage Academy PTA, makes me a strong candidate for joining the local community council.”

Visit argyll-bute.gov.uk/mycouncil/elections for more information.