Published on:
30
December 2011
Three new community councils could be up and running by spring 2012 after Clackmannanshire Council adopted a new Scheme for Establishment of Community Councils which changes the boundaries for some areas.
New boundary changes to the current provision for 12 community councils will mean that nine community councils will now serve the Clackmannanshire area, covering: Alloa; Alva; Clackmannan; Dollar; Menstrie; Muckhart; Sauchie and Fishcross; Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside; and Tullibody, Cambus and Glenochil.
Community Councils are set up to work with the local authority and other public agencies, representing the views and needs of their local community on matters for which the local authority is responsible, including planning and licensing applications, as well as safeguarding and improving local amenities. Many do much more, including organising local projects and managing community assets.
The Council's adoption of the new scheme follows nine months of consultation on community council governance which saw the Clackmannanshire public asking for changes to the boundaries of community councils and a review of the framework within which they operate.
Provost Derek Stewart said: "The consultation process highlighted how important it is that the public participate in the business of community councils and the election process. We have quite a good distribution of community councillors across Clackmannanshire but there is a tremendous opportunity now for people in all areas of the county to become involved and take an active role in issues that affect their local communities."
Les Sharp, Chair of Menstrie Community Council, said: "People can see what a community council does when they come to a village gala, take part in a social event or enjoy the open spaces we manage. But we have influence over other important aspects of community life. Our community council, for example, has been the main protagonist in improvements to the Dumyat Centre through dialogue and work with Clackmannanshire Council. So when I'm asked 'Why would anyone join a community council? Why would you bother? Why would you spend your own free time with it all?' the simple answer is because you can make a difference."
The Council is now accepting petitions to establish the new community councils in Alloa, Sauchie and Fishcross, and Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside.
Further information is available from Governance Services in the Council or from Clacksweb.