Comrie Community Council in danger of folding

Feb 19 2010 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

A STRATHEARN village is in danger of losing its community council.

Comrie is struggling to generate enough nominees before the deadline of this Saturday (February 20) as residents shy away from putting themselves forward.

The Shaky Village has always prided itself on having an elected body and there have not been many years where an election hasn’t been held but now there are fears that after next week the village will not have a community council representing it at all.

A minimum of five nominations is needed to form a committee; if there are between five and 10 nominations, applicants automatically become councillors and if there are over 10 nominations an election is held.

However, at the time of going to press only one form of nomination had been received by returning officer Peter Innes.

“The situation is serious,” said Chairman Gordon McCartney. “We are in danger of losing our community council all together if not enough people come forward.”

Mr McCartney has been the chairman for the past six years and wants to encourage as many people as possible to put themselves up for nomination.

He added: “We want to be a truly elected community council. It would be nice to see some of the newcomers to the village coming forward. We are always looking for new people to get involved.”

The community council is an integral part of village life but can only exist if local people are willing to stand for election.

Its main role is to act as a channel of the opinions of the local community, and it has the right to be notified of and respond to any planning applications.

Community councils are also involved in local projects related to local infrastructure, such as footpaths, parks and playgrounds, and local events.

Secretary Tim Lucas added that the village will be a poorer place without a community council.

He said: “The community council is the only elected body in the village. It provides the voice of the people and is a direct line to Perth and Kinross Council, who have a statutory duty to consult with the community council and thereby the residents of Comrie.

“It is the only group in the village that can liaise with PKC on contentious issues. We are notified about everything that affects the village from street repairs and lighting to planning applications. No other organisation in the village has that voice.”

Comrie Community Council meets on the second Thursday of every month.

Nominations must be in by this Saturday, February 20. If enough nominations are received, an election will take place in the White Church on March 13.

Forms are available from the Post Office or from returning officer Peter Innes. Completed forms should be sent to Returning Officer Mr PM Innes, Alberton, South Crieff Road, Comrie, PH6 2HF.