Lots to do at arts and crafts People of any age or background can stand for election to community council

An arts and crafts group has now started at Rosemount Gardens, Mid St reet, Bathgate, from 2pm to 3.30pm on Wednesdays.

The cost is £ 1.20 per person, and sessions will take place weekly.

Ac t i v i t i e s include paper crafts, card making, decoupage, florals and various crafts.

For more information, contact Avril on 07768 090 008 or 01506 237950. Community-spirited West Lothian residents are wanted to represent the views of their local area.

West Lothian Council is currently accepting nominations for community councillors to be elected to one of West Lothian’s 41 community councils for the next four years.

Community councils act as a voice for their local areas, and were set-up to find out, co-ordinate and express the views of the communities they represent, for matters which public authorities are responsible.

Community councillors are active members of the local communities they serve and provide an important link between their local communities and the council and many other public bodies.

a West Lothian Council spokesperson said:“We would encourage anyone who is interested in what is happening in their local area to consider becoming a community councillor.

“Community councils are consulted on a wide range of issues, including housing, highways, education, health, etc. they are statutory consultees on planning and must be kept informed about licensing issues.

“Community councils must be non- political and anyone can stand for election regardless of background, gender or religion.

“the only criteria to become a community councillor is that you must be aged 18 or over and your name and address, as well as those who propose and second your nomination, must appear in the relevant electoral register for the community council area. those aged 14 to 18 can also apply to be youth members.”

to get involved, download a copy of the nomination pack from www.westlothian. gov.uk/communitycouncils or pick up a copy from Customer Information services (CIs), libraries and partnership centres around West Lothian. You can also request a copy of the nomination pack by emailing lorraine.mcgrorty@westlothian.gov.uk or calling 01506 281609.

Young people between the ages of 14-18 can also get involved as youth members with full voting rights. separate nomination form for youth members is available by contacting the Community Council Liaison officer on the details above.

nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on thursday, september 14. Where more nominations are received than there are places available on a community council, an election may be necessary and will be held on thursday 26 october 2017.