Town in bid to restore its community council

Nominations: Steps being taken to re-form organisation

An Aberdeenshire town, which has been without a community council since the resignation of the previous body, is trying to create a new group.

Ellon Community Council’s eight members resigned en masse in October last year after claiming they were told by the local authority they had “insufficient numbers” to continue operating.

However, following a request from the “requisite number” of 12 community members, the Formartine Area Office has advised steps are now being taken to reform the organisation.

Members of the public will be invited to nominate at least 10 people, who meet the criteria to stand for election.

To be eligible for the community council, candidates must be aged 18 and over and either appear on the electoral roll for the area or have their principal residence within the boundary.

Business owners in Ellon can also put their names forward.

And, as long as the minimum numbers are achieved by the closing date, which has yet to be set, a new council will be formed.

Community councils carry out a variety of roles including; helping with environmental projects; organising local galas; printing and distributing local newsletters; representing community councils on other organisations; providing lunch clubs for the elderly; and campaigning on local issues, conducting local surveys and organising public meetings on major development proposals.

Councillor for Ellon and District, Richard Thomson welcomed the news and said: “A town the size of Ellon ought to have its own community council and the fact that one hasn’t been in place for the past few months had left a noticeable hole at the heart of the town.

“It’s important Ellon has a community council which can work for the greater good. I hope sufficient candidates come forward to give local residents a real choice in who they want to represent them in carrying out the important work that a Community Council does.”

If more than 15 nominations are received, an election will be held.

Anyone wishing to find out more can contact the Formartine Area Office on 01358 726404.

“It’s important Ellon has a community council”

BUSTLING: Ellon has not had a community council since last October when eight members resigned en masse