Forres area community councils back to work after Moray elections
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LOCAL citizens are meeting again following the community council elections.
Fourteen of the region’s 20 watchdog groups have been re-established, however, others including Dyke Landward could not reform due to insufficient candidates required to meet the minimum membership.
Moray Council confirmed, out of a total of 208 seats, 104 were filled and no seats were contested.
Forres Community Council (FCC) chairwoman, Fiona Graham, was pleased to see her team reform with the majority of seats filled.
She said: “Our members work hard for Forres – this has been reflected positively.”
Retired RAF servicemen Bob Hellyer and Colin Lipscomb have rejoined FCC.
Bob said: “Colin left eight years ago, tired of being secretary. I left too, frustrated with lack of action from Moray Council. We are both still concerned about Forres being ignored, but we are re-invigorated and ready to work for the town again.”
Jim Montford of Heldon Community Council was delighted to hear it has reformed.
He said: “It’s important rural settlements are represented since local knowledge is valuable in considering planning applications, infrastructure and environmental issues.”
Forres, with 12 seats, had 11 nominations. FCC is now also made up of Lesley Edwards, Steve Ferris, John Innes, Jo Lenihan, Graham Murdoch, David Parker, Kathleen Robertson and Kenny Shand. Findhorn and Kinloss had eight nominations for 10 seats.
Representing Findhorn are Diane Anderson, Sue Dominey, Rupert Hutchinson, Maggie La Tourelle, Lisa Mead and Anne Skene. Claire Brenton and Colin Shreenan represent Kinloss.
Of Finderne’s seven seats there were five nominations. The seats have been taken by Howard Davenport, Anna Gatward, Stew McCracken, Shirley Munn and Tony Pinner.
There were 10 nominations for Heldon’s 18 seats. Of these, locally: Dallas is represented by Jim Mountford and Neil Sutherland; and Alves and Roseisle by Denise Kelly and Audrey Masson.
Unfortunately, in Dyke's case, there are seven seats, four were required to be taken but there were only three nominations.
Alistair Kennedy is a member of Elgin Community Council as well as the Joint Community Council for Moray.
He said: "Here in Elgin we are just glad the community council re-formed and feel very sorry for those who missed re-forming due to being short.
"New members are always made very welcome at community councils. Previous members ensure they become an integral part of the group and they are encouraged to follow up on specific interests they have in the community.
"As members of our communities and of other groups and organisations, we meet lots of people, hear their views and have a good handle on what`s important locally. We are then in a good position to reflect the views we hear to relevant agencies when required."
See http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_45710.html for more information about your local community council.
