Stand up for your community

People in Barrhead and Neilston are being reminded they can take part in upcoming community council elections.

Community councils are consulted on important local issues, such as planning and licensing.

The aim behind them is to provide a direct link between the community and the council, the NHS, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other public bodies.

Councils hold monthly meetings and offer residents the opportunity to come together and discuss specific matters of interest to their particular local areas and ensure their voices are heard on important matters.

Councillor Colm Merrick, convener for Community Services and Community Safety for East Renfrewshire Council, said: “Community councils play a vital role in their local areas by representing the views of their communities to the council.”

If you are interested in either joining a community council or nominating someone to join, visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/community councils to download a nomination form.

Anyone wishing to stand for election must be a resident in the community council area, aged 16 years or over and named on the electoral register.

The nomination period closes on Wednesday, August 28, at 4.45pm.

To be posted a form, contact Vincent McCulloch, community council liaison officer, on 0141 577 4645 or Vincent.McCulloch@ eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk