Council fears

Community group under threat as numbers drop

Concerns have been raised about the future of Rutherglen Community Council due to a drop in members.

The minimum number needed for a community council to run is 12, the number the community council now finds itself at.

The future of Rutherglen Community Council is under threat due to a drop in members.

The minimum number needed for a community council to run is 12, the number the community council now finds itself at.

Two members have passed away over the past year, while two others left.

As the group prepares for its AGM next month, the council now need new faces or else it could be disbanded.

However, council members are optimistic that they will get a boost in numbers.

Kirk Smith, the chair of the community council, said: “We would like more people in the community to come along and contribute.

“I’ve spoken to a few people and hopefully that will get a few more bodies in, and there shouldn’t be a problem if that happens.”

The council is particularly keen to get some more younger people involved.

Kirk added: “It would be good to get some young people along and get their voices heard at the table. Maybe with some new ideas too.”

Robert Brown, the Rutherglen South councillor, who attended the most recent community council meeting, was full of praise for the role that the community council plays in the local area.

He said: “Rutherglen Community Council - and other Community Councils - do a hugely important job as a link between the local community and the council.

“They take up issues of local importance and provide a collective community view on them.

“In the instance of Rutherglen, they also importantly represent the interests and traditions of the Royal Burgh and support historic institutions like the Landemer festival.

“I would urge anyone with an interest to join the community council. They will find it very productive.”

The next meeting of the community c ouncil, which will include the AGM, will take place on Tuesday, November 14, at 7.15pm in Number 18 on Farmeloan