‘This will affect everybody’ - future of Glanworth CC hangs in the balance

It’s ‘do or die’ on Monday night for Glanworth Community Council as the current committee has stepped down, with a new committee yet to be elected.

Having held two meetings prior to this, poor turnout and no nominations to replace the existing committee have cast a shadow over the future of the community council, the community hall, and other groups under the umbrella of the local community council.

Without a community council in place, such groups ‘ will cease with immediate effect,’ said former chair Helena Kennerley.

“The council has been in place since July 2019 and we just don’t have the time anymore. We’ve all stepped down and we’re looking for a new committee. This is the third meeting and it’s do or die on Monday night.

“We have to have a committee in place. May 9 is the last meeting we will be attending and if a new committee isn’t in place, the hall and anything under the remit of the community council will be on pause,” Helena said.

It is hoped that a greater turnout will be seen on Monday, May 9 at 8pm in Glanworth Hall for the final meeting, as thus far some eight or nine persons were all that had attended, despite several notices of such meetings having been shared.

According to Helena, the ideal solution would be for local groups to band together and elect an individual from each respective committee to go forth for the community council.

Members of Glanworth Community Council would typically be in charge of grant applications, the day to day running of the community hall and any other groups under the community council’s remit, as well as liaising with vendors who may use the hall.

Additionally, some fundraising will also be required for the upkeep and repair works, as Glanworth Community Hall remains in bad condition, the most pressing of repairs being required to the roof.

While those who are already involved in the community and other community groups would be the ideal solution to the issue, Helena notes that anyone with an interest can put themselves forward.

“What’s needed is people who are involved in the community or anyone who thinks they can add something to the community. There is no age limit, it’s 18 to 80 and there’s no physical work. It’s just people with a bit of drive.

“Technically, there is no community council in place at the moment. We need a new council to step in. We’re interim only, we were just hanging on until a new community council was put in place. If there’s no community council after this meeting, the hall will go into limbo. This will affect everybody,” she said.

And so, on Monday coming, the former Glanworth Community Council members will meet for the final time at 8pm in the local hall in the hope of seeing a new committee elected. Why not give something back to your community and attend?