Published 07 September 2022
Residents who want to give a voice to their community are being encouraged to get involved with their local Community Council.
Elections for Community Councils are taking place in October, with candidate nominations open until 22 September.
New volunteers are required to ensure the good work Community Councils undertake can continue throughout West Dunbartonshire.
There are currently 12 Community Councils in operation, including one in Alexandria which was established in July with the help of West Dunbartonshire Council’s Communities Team.
Between them, they have undertaken a range of valuable work in their communities including organising events like pantomime; working with partners to develop a community woodland, helping food banks and acting as a voice for the community on large-scale projects in the area.
Peter Hessett, Returning Officer, said: “The work community councils do is extremely valuable and so if you are over 16, registered to vote and are passionate about your area, I’d encourage you to nominate yourself ahead of the 22 September deadline.”
The election follows the implementation of the Council’s revised Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in June after significant consultation with residents.
The updated Scheme is designed to enable the development of effective Community Councils locally.
It also seeks to ensure that Community Councils make a representative contribution to the process of democratic empowerment and community participation in the areas they operate in and across West Dunbartonshire as whole.
Polling will take place by postal ballot, closing on Thursday, 27 October 2022 at 4.00 p.m., unless the elections are uncontested.