Councils set to have greater say
Community council elections are set to give two areas new stronger representation next month.
A meeting of West Lothian Council has agreed to mergers in Livingston and in rural villages to create two new councils.
Changes have also been agreed which guarantee terms of service for office bearers - something which will boost the smallest of councils in the area.
There are 39 community councils in West Lothian covering major towns such as Bathgate and Linlithgow down to the smallest communities including Kirknewton and Philpstoun.
A special meeting of the council on Tuesday agreed on the mergers. These are the amalgamation of Deans with Carmondean Community Council in northern Livingston and Breich with Addiewell & Loganlea around West Calder.
Both of these were supported by the existing community councils and no objections were received from the public. It is proposed that all other boundaries incorporate minor alterations identified by planning services or suggested by members of the public during the consultation exercise.
Brecih ward councillor Pauline Clark said the merger would give a stronger voice to the village communities the new council would represent.
Community council office bearers will be limited to eight years in post, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and there is still no limit on how long someone can serve on a community council.
This brings the biggest benefit to the smallest of community councils where a person can serve one term as chair and a second as secretary, for instance.
The new scheme also clarifies the arrangements for elections and spending annual grants.
Three rounds of public consultation have been carried out on the proposals, with the new scheme in place in time to allow new community councils to be set up in October 2021.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Thanks to everyone who has helped with the new scheme for establishing community councils.
“The updated rules reflect the requirements of both the council and community councils going forward.”
Councillors also voted to record a note of thanks for the council’s community council liaison officer, Lorraine McGrorty, for all her efforts in working closely with and supporting West Lothian community councils.
Livingston North Councillor Alison Adamson said: “I think I speak for everyone when I say that when you think of community councils you think of Lorraine.
“I want to say thank you for all the work she has put in and for the dedication that she shows.
“Thank you for everything that you do. You really are appreciated.”