Community group wants to boost its numbers

A familiar face has been elected as chairman of Ralston Community Council.

Alan Thompson, a previous chairman, is taking on the role on a temporary basis due to low membership numbers.

Previous chairman Paul Masterton resigned in the summer after he was elected as MP for East Renfrewshire.

In his report at the recent annual general meeting, community council secretary Bill Whyte wrote:“Alan Thompson kindly stepped in to take on the role of chairperson a few months ago.

“His intention is that this is on a temporary basis.

“There have been discussions recently at meetings regarding its low membership.

“RCC has above the average number of vacancies of all the community councils in Scotland.

“Possible solutions to this will continue to be discussed at future meetings.”

At the meeting Mr Thompson summarised the activities of the community council over the last year.

He said that crime levels in the area remain relatively low.

He added that noise problems at St Mirren training ground, in Allanton Avenue, are continuing.

The refurbishment of Ralston Community Centre has been successfully completed.

The meeting heard the community council continues to maintain the 24/7 defibrillator St Mark’s Oldhall Church, in Corrie Drive, and retains responsibility for the defibrillator at the community centre in the meantime.