One week left for community council nominations

With one week left until the deadline for the 2017 community council nominations, Orkney Islands Council has put out a further call for prospective candidates to put themselves forward, with a reminder of some of the key projects that community councils in the county have been involved in over the last few years.

Elections for Orkney’s 20 community councils are now underway and prospective community councillors have until 5pm on Monday, September 4, to put themselves forward for election.

As well as influencing Council policy, Community Councils also co‑ordinate and support a wide range of projects within their own communities. These include renovation and running community facilities such as heritage centres or cafés, co-ordinating and funding tourist brochures, upkeep of war memorials, maintaining kirkyards and Christmas tree lighting events. Some of the projects that community councils have been involved in over the last term include:

• The refurbishment of the Stronsay Fish Mart

• The relocation of Groatie Hoose, in Kirkwall.

• The building of an open air stage at the outside the Stromness Town House

•The refurbishment of the weighbridge area at the pier in Eday.

Maureen Spence is Orkney Islands Councils Democratic Services Manager. She said: “The opinions of Community Councils are highly valued and Community Council members have a unique opportunity to sway and shape the thinking of Orkney Islands Council. This important role will become more vital in future years as the Council faces further and even more stringent budget constraints.”

The Nomination Form can be downloaded here.

Candidates need to complete and return the nomination form by 5pm next Monday.