Community Council Vacancies – Time to Step Up

Public meetings are due to be held across Orkney in the coming months to fill vacant seats on local community councils.

Elections to Orkney’s twenty community councils were held last summer, but following that process there remained vacancies on eleven of those councils.

An opportunity is therefore now available to those who thinks they’ve got what it takes to represent their community, to step up to the plate.

The Council’s Democratic Services Manager, Maureen Spence, said: “At the foundation of a strong community are residents who are willing to give their time and local knowledge to ensure their communities flourish – this can be done by getting involved in Community Councils.

“Community Councillors hear first-hand of grass roots issues which can have a real impact on people’s lives and as has been witnessed on many, many occasions they help resolve those issues.

“Do you think you’ve got what it takes – or have you got someone in mind who does? Get in touch with us, or someone from your local community council to find out more – you could make a huge difference.”

Only individuals entered on the current Register of Electors for the Community Council area concerned, can stand as a candidate and can propose, second and vote for a candidate.

Nominations must be made by persons eligible and that person must be present at the meeting to make their nomination. The candidate must also be there in person, or if not present at the meeting, in writing, place on record their consent to serve as a Community Councillor.

For more information, or to obtain nomination forms, contact Democratic Services on 01856 886622 or email at communitycouncils@orkney.gov.uk