Deadline drawing near for community council nominations

THERE is less than a week left for people interested in helping their community to submit their nominations to become a community councillor.

Community councils are voluntary organisations that act as a voice for their local area. They express views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues, such as new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have legal duties: by law Highland Council must consult with community councils on planning and licensing applications in their area.

In some areas community councils receive community benefit money from wind farm projects which they can reinvest in the community. Others are involved in setting up community development companies which can lead on larger scale projects to improve the area.

Highland Council is responsible for running the community council elections, which must be held every four years years. The maximum membership of each of the Highland community councils is determined by the population it serves and varies from seven to 13 members.

The deadline for submitting nomination papers is noon on Tuesday, October 8.

A nominations pack can be downloaded here.

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