Community councils - making voices heard in Lochaber

All community councils (CCs) come to the end of their four-year term in October and the Highland Council has just announced the election.

 

Current community councillors stand down but are eligible for re-election.

 

If a community council is to continue to exist, then new candidates must come forward.

 

Anyone aged 16 or over and on the electoral roll can stand. CCs vary in size, ranging from seven to 13, depending on population.

 

Most meet monthly and folk can join hybrid meetings online.

 

Chairperson of Glenfinnan CC, Ally Entwistle said; “Community councils can gain strength by working together.

 

“We act with others on ‘The Road to the Isles’ when necessary and being part of the seven-strong Linnhe Community Alliance keeps us connected with the Fort William area.”

 

Long-serving secretary of Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy CC, Patricia Jordan, agrees with her: “I have worked alongside most community councils in Lochaber and made some good friends.

 

“I have seen big changes over the years, good and bad, but the changes have benefitted from community involvement.

 

“Being able to sit at the table, discuss issues that you know are important, speaking for

 

your community is a great privilege.”

 

The five CCs on the peninsulas, working together, have given weight to the community voice on the Corran Ferry.

 

The Linnhe Community Alliance has fought its way into the FW2040 project to create a stronger community voice influencing decision-making of the public bodies.

 

Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry CC chairperson, John Fotheringham said: “We don’t join a community council to be popular with the powers that be.

 

“We speak for the people and it’s essential to stand up to the big public bodies.”

 

Mark Linfield, chairperson of the biggest CC, Fort William, Inverlochy and Torlundy, says: “Much is happening in our area; Fort William 2040, Town Centre regeneration, new hospital, new housing, etc. and the CC's input is always valuable.

 

“It would be terrific to have more residents becoming community councillors so we have a new stronger voice.”

 

John Hutchison, chairperson of Kilmallie CC said: “You need a community council in place for issues that arise without notice.

 

“One Thursday in January 2019 the public heard of a council plan to build a waste transfer station in Corpach.

 

“No one knew of this but by the Monday 120 turned up at the Community Council meeting, giving enough energy to get the idea knocked on the head within days.

 

“This is why you need a working community council.”

 

He added; “Community councillors need to work with the Highland Councillors, too, and vice versa, which unfortunately we don’t always see.

 

“It helps when the seven councillors in Lochaber can work together and, when there’s mutual respect, the community council's can be an invaluable resource for them.”

 

Nominations close on October 3.

 

If there are more nominees than the maximum numbers allowed then there will an

 

election.

 

But if not enough people come forward, then that community council ceases to exist – a serious matter for any community.

 

For more information, search community council elections on the Highland Council website.