Be a voice for locals and make a difference
Deadline looms to nominate for community roles
Residents in east Perthshire have been urged to stand for election to the area’s community councils to ensure that local people’s voices are heard.
The voluntary organisations represent the views of local communities on issues that affect them, such as planning applications, to local authorities and other organisations, and play an important role in local democracy.
Elections are held every four years, with the next elections in Perth and Kinross taking place on November 3.
Nominations opened in late August and candidates have until Thursday this week, September 22, to complete and submit their nomination forms.
All current community councillors, whether elected or co-opted and regardless of the length of time they have been on a community council, must stand for re-election if they wish to remain on the community council after November 3.
If more nominations are received for a community council than there are vacancies, that community council will go to election.
This will be by postal vote to all electors within that community council area or sub-area.
However, if there are fewer nominations than vacancies but sufficient nominations to form a community council, those candidates would be deemed duly elected without an election from Thursday, November 3.
And if there are less than 50 per cent of nominations required for a community council area, the closing date for nominations for that area will be extended by 10 days to Monday, October 3.
There are several community councils in east Perthshire, although some, such as Coupar Angus, are currently in abeyance.
Up to 15 community councillors can represent Blairgowrie and Rattray, while in Alyth the community council must have no fewer than six and no more than 11 elected members.
Scott MacGregor took on the role of chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council last year.
He said: “Being a community councillor is a very rewarding experience.
“In the last year alone we have worked with members of the local community on
a range of issues, including concerns about the lack of maintenance in parts of Rattray, Carsie and Blairgowrie.
“The community council is also responsible for organising the town’s Citizen of the Year and Young Person of the Year awards, which this year were presented to Susan Hart and Remy McDonald, who are both very deserving recipients of the accolade.
“And we were pleased to be able to launch a new Community Group of the Year Award this year as well, which was presented to the BaRI Food Project in recognition of all the work it has done in reducing food waste and food costs in the
town.
“We have also worked hard to establish a twinning relationship with Brebières in the north of France and were delighted to welcome guests from the town to the Highland Games earlier this month, and have supported the efforts of a number of local groups and organisations, including the local Climate Cafe and the Biodiversity Group.
“We are here to represent the views of our community, provide a voice for local residents, and make a positive difference to our town which is more important than ever as Blairgowrie and Rattray continues to grow and develop.”