Community Council Elections 2022 - “People coming together as a community can achieve great things - to the benefit of everyone”

Nominations for the Community Council elections close next week (Wednesday 15 June at 5pm).

Community Councils play an important role in local democracy by representing local views which can influence decisions in planning and the provision of local services. The Community Councils provide an effective, strong voice within each community area offering sound, local advice on a range of community issues.

Community Councils across Orkney have also proved themselves a formidable driving force in taking forward community projects and events. 

Within the last Community Council term there have been many projects that members have completed as a team, or have been directly involved in – including some of the past weekend’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Various local repairs have been carried out recently, including a footpath at the West Shore in Stromness, and the wall in Firth Park, as well as contributions towards the upkeep of the St Magnus Way.

Leanne Bews was once the Clerk to Shapinsay Community Council but has recently been Chair of the group.  She said: “As a Community Council we have been able to work in conjunction with the local Development Trust to provide additional mobile library visits and helped the Community Association put on local events such as fireworks and a picnic day.

“The recent handover of the Smithy to another local group was a highlight. By working together and speaking to the Trust, we were able to keep this building as an important community asset, and that was something really useful and positive.”

Reflecting on continuing business throughout Covid, Leanne said: “Although we have had to carry out our meetings online, the upside is that we have had far more representation from our elected members at meetings, and also feedback from senior OIC officers in attendance.

“I would hope that this joint working will continue going forward. It has been great to hear about the how’s and why’s and get a straight explanation of why something may have happened that has affected our Council services.

“Being on the Community Council is an important and enjoyable role. There are times when it can be demanding, when there is a pressing issue, but on the whole it is not time consuming, and it is enjoyable to work together as a team to make things happen.”

Anyone aged 16 or over is invited to put themselves forward for nomination to their local community council. 

Adam Baird, who has until now been the Chair of Westray Community Council agrees that encouraging younger folk to join the committee is important.

“If we want to encourage young folk to stay in Orkney, and particularly our outer isles, we need their voices to be heard, and for them to have a say in shaping policies and outcomes. It would be really encouraging to see some young people take an interest in local politics.”

Adam also strongly agreed with others that Community Councils have an important place in politics, as many of their matters arising had been taken up by Councillors at meetings and solutions found within OIC – and they’ve also been able to lobby MPs and MSP on bigger issues.

“We have been able to speak directly to those in relevant positions to have our big ticket items discussed at a higher level

“Through Covid it was so beneficial to have regular contact with the team in Democratic Services, along with other Council officers, to make sure that our services were able to continue and any problems were ironed out.

“I have enjoyed the breadth and variety of topics and items we have discussed during meetings, and to have had the chance to shape and influence decisions made at a higher level. The hope is that what we do benefits the community we live and work in.”

There is still time to submit your nomination form for the elections. These are available from here or the Council’s One Stop Shop, and must be returned to Democratic Services, Orkney Islands Council, no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 15 June 2022.