Areas left with no community council in place

SOME areas of West Fife have been left without community council representation following an election period.

Community councils are run by volunteers and act as a voice for residents. They are independent from Fife Council and are used to bridge the gap between communities and the local authority.

Members meet regularly to discuss issues affecting their area, including planning and licensing applications.

In West Fife the minimum number of positions available were filled in 23 areas, meaning the organisations will continue to run.

This includes Central Dunfermline, where 12 out of a maximum 15 spots were used and Crossford; Aberdour;and Charleston, Limekilns and Pattiesmuir, where all spaces were filled.

The other areas are: Abbeyview; Bellyeoman; Cairneyhill; Crossgates and Mossgreen; Culross; Dalgety Bay and Hillend; Halbeath and Duloch; Headwell; High Valleyfield; Inverkeithing; Kelty; Kincardine; Low Valleyfield; North Queensferry; Rosyth; Saline and Steelend; South Dunfermline (Pitcorthie); Torryburn and Newmills; Touch and Garvock.

However, nine areas in West Fife have been left with no representation after failing to meet the minimum number of required community council members. This includes Kingseat and Milesmark Baldridge in Dunfermline, as well as the villages of Carnock and Gowkhall and Oakley and Comrie.

Commenting, Councillor Gavin Ellis, who represents Dunfermline North, said: “It can be a thankless task and it can take up a lot of time for a member, people struggle sometimes to find that balance.

“We have excellent ones which are still active, I would suggest speaking to existing community councillors. There is just nobody to come forward to take over the role in some areas.

“In Kingseat I intend to chap on doors and explain why it is needed, it makes my job more enjoyable to have a community councillor to work with.”

He said he believed the number of people interested was close to meeting requirements.

Community councils are normally elected once every four years and which are established after the regular four yearly round of elections will only run until the next election, with all members needing to stand for re-election if they wish to continue.

Anyone interested in re-establishing an inactive community council should organise a petition which must be signed by 20 people on the electoral register in the relevant area.

Other areas in West Fife where there is no community council are: Blairhall; Crombie; Izatt Avenue Area and Netherton; and Wellwood.

The minimum membership of community councils in Fife is eight and the maximum membership is 20 members.

Find out more about re-establishing a community council on the Fife Council website.