Angus is facing the prospect of its residents’ voice falling silent in an annihilation of the area’s community councils.
With elections to the 25 community councils across the area due next month, it has emerged the current level of interest would only be sufficient to establish a single group.
Nominations close on Wednesday and the possibility of a wipeout has been declared “disastrous” by council leader David Fairweather, who said the connection between the authority and communities is now more important than ever.
In all, just 45 nominations have been received from across Angus – almost 100 short of the number required for the formation of all the area’s community councils.
As it stands, only Lunanhead and District has achieved even the minimum number of nominations required to reform.
All off Angus’s community councils are currently operational.
There have been no nominations received from Friockheim and District; Glamis, Hillside, Dun and Logie Pert; Monifieth, Muirhead, Birkhill & Liff.
And only a single expression of local interest has come forward from Auchterhouse, the City of Brechin & District, Letham and District, Newtyle and Eassie, and Strathmartine.
Potential candidates, who must be aged 16 years-old or over, on the electoral role and resident in the community council area they want to represent, have until 4pm on Wednesday to register their nomination.
Council leader Mr Fairweather said his hope is that there will be a late flood of interest to secure the future of as many local groups as possible.
“Community councils make a difference and that voice should not be lost,” said the Arbroath West and Letham Independent.
“Everyone is aware of the challenges the council is facing., we cannot do everything that we used to and it is hugely important that we have as much communication with our local communities as possible.
“The number of groups which have sprung up to work in conjunction with the council on a variety of projects, the increase in community asset transfers and the importance of community councils themselves is significant.”
He added: “Community councils play a vital role in local democracy and have an important voice when it comes to representing your fellow citizens thoughts and opinions, as well as issues, to Angus Council and other groups and organisations.
“They are consulted on local planning applications and have one person as their point of contact for all planning matters.
“They help to deliver local events and activities and advise, challenge, petition, and support the many issues, opportunities and concerns within their local community.”
Mr Fairweather continued: “In my own area of Arbroath the community council went through a spell of difficulties in the past, but since it was reformed the sterling work they have done is substantial and well-meaning for the people of the town.
“The contribution of every community council is valuable and I would encourage people to put themselves forward.
“There is still time, and hopefully we will see a last-minute rush of nominations,”
Full details about community councillor nominations are available via the council’s dedicated community council elections web pages.
