ABEYANCE TURMOIL

Three resignations in the lead-up to community council by-election

Crieff Community Council fell into abeyance this week following the resignation of three of its members.

Interim chair and acting treasurer Marnie Gauld, interim vice- chair Dorothy Young and fellow member Dr Roger Cartwright all announced their intention to leave the group with immediate effect earlier this week.

The three departures come off the back of the group’s first full meeting on Monday last week, which was adjourned early partly due to a heated exchange between interim secretary Craig Finlay and members of the public in relation to agenda item Crieff Community Garden.

The resignations left the group with only two members – Mr Finlay and fellow member Alexander Fernie – and, owing to a lack of numbers and the absence of either a chair or vicechair, meant abeyance was the only option.

However, the community council could get back up and running shortly if enough people put themselves forward for the planned by-election, which is still scheduled for Thursday, October 13.

And Perth and Kinross announced on Wednesday this week that the deadline for nominations had been moved to September 26 as a result of recent events – the original cut off point had been set for Thursday this week.

Mrs Gauld, who admitted to the Herald “perhaps politics isn’t for me”, said she was keen to inform people of her decision to resign as she had actively encouraged people to join the group in the past.

She added: “I will continue to remain an interested local and look forward to working as part of the community to fundraise for the Burgh Council chairs and Crieff Town Clock.”

Mrs Young said: “In the present circumstances I am unable to continue in my role.

“I’ve enjoyed my nearly 14 years’ service and would like to thank the people of Crieff for their support over the years.”

Dr Cartwright announced his resignation from the group in an email to the local authority’s democratic services department.

He concluded by saying he would continue to deliver talks to local organisations and charities, something which he has done over many years.

Mr Finlay said: “Unfortunately, the ongoing problems with the Crieff Burgh Chairs has had a ripple effect which has resulted in more resignations.”

He added: “As far as I’m concerned, the chairs are not as significant to the town as other issues – such as safety on Broich Road, for example.

“I would encourage anyone who is interest in joining the community council to put their name forward.

“It would be a great shame if there was no Crieff Community Council to keep driving things forward – the group has already done a lot of good work for the town.”

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “We can confirm that Crieff Community Council is, following the recent resignation of three community councillors, currently in abeyance.

“There has been a limited response to the call for nominations for the

community council byelection in October and, consequently, the deadline has been extended.”

Anyone wishing to join the community council must be 16 years of age, reside in the community council area and be named on the electoral register for the group’s catchment area. A candidate’s proposer and seconder must also be named on the electoral register and reside in the same community council area.

To stand, a completed nomination form – together with a supporting 50-word supporting statement – must be submitted to the Returning Officer on September 26.

Where the number of valid nominations exceeds the maximum number of elected members, an election is required to be held.

Nomination forms and copies of the Scheme of Establishment of Community Councils can be downloaded from Perth and Kinross Council’s website, www.pkc.gov.uk/communitycouncils.

Alternatively, contact the Returning Officer at The Atrium, 137 Glover Street, Perth PH2 0LQ, call 01738 475004 or email communitycouncils@pkc.gov.uk