Two community councils fall by the wayside ahead of elections
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CIVIC leader Willie Mackay has spoken of his disappointment at two community councils falling by the wayside.
The annual community council elections are to be held in December but the bodies representing West Caithness and Tannach and District will not be functioning due to a lack of nominations.
There is scope next year for those two councils to restart – but for now, neither of them will be operational.
Councillor Mackay said: "I was disappointed to see those two go. Tannach and District were very important to that community.
"They have put in a lot of hard effort and have done some sterling work in the area. Unfortunately, they didn't have the numbers to move forward into next year.
"Like with West Caithness. They represented a very important area – with Dounreay being decommissioned – and again it is disappointing to see that they also don't have the numbers to carry on."
The community councils of Wick, Castletown and Sinclair Bay have already enough numbers to go and form new administrations for 2020.
However, it looks likely that elections will be held for both Thurso and Watten community councils.
I'm delighted with the interested shown by the amount of nominations received.
Ballot papers will be sent out on Friday, November 15, and must be returned by noon on Wednesday, December 4.
For anybody wishing to have their nomination withdrawn, they must do so by noon on Friday, November 1.
Councillor Mackay hopes that anyone in Thurso and Watten who appears to be having second thoughts will proceed regardless and stand for election.
He added: "I'm delighted with the interested shown by the amount of nominations received for both Watten and Thurso.
"There is still a window for people to withdraw but I hope they don't.
"Those who volunteer to the councils give their communities a voice to raise issues with councillors such as myself and Highland Council.
"Also, they can play a vital role for any planning or licensing applications to be granted, rejected or amended for the benefit of their own communities."
