A drive is under way to encourage more people to join their local community council and help represent the views of residents in their area.
Elections for all of Edinburgh’s community councils are due to take place in September, but some have struggled in the past to attract new members and all are keen to have fresh input. A campaign is now underway to seek nominations to ensure that community councils can continue to thrive and play an important role in the health of the capital’s neighbourhoods.
Cllr Maureen Child (pictured above) , Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods committee, urged people to get involved: “It’s all about local residents working together to make a difference to where they live. In my experience, the best community councils involve folk of all ages and backgrounds, but they rely on people putting themselves forward. I completely understand it may be a little daunting for those who haven’t been involved in anything like this before, but help and advice is available.”
Jim Henry, the chair of Liberton & District Community Council, said: “Community councils act as a voice that gives residents an opportunity to use their local knowledge to influence the future of their area. We also get involved in a wide range of activities to improve our communities, including clean-ups and gala days. Without the work of community councils, the city and its neighbourhoods would be a poorer place.”
Community Councils receive a grant to cover running costs and training is available. They are represented on each of the 12 Neighbourhood Partnerships established across the city and work alongside elected members, representatives from NHS Lothian, Police Scotland, the voluntary sector and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to improve the local area and allocate local grants.
Anyone aged 16 years or older and registered to vote can join. People can find their local community council using the Council’s interactive map.
- Eileen Hewitt, Community Council Liaison Officer, on 0131 469 3838 or y email at community.councils@ednburgh.gov.uk
- www.edinburgh.gov.uk/communitycouncils http://www.edinburghnp.org.uk/ (neighbourhood partnerships)
What’s your experience of Community Councils? Do they make a difference? Let us know!
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