Community / Last minute call for community council nominations as deadline looms
ANYONE still considering standing in upcoming community council by-elections is being encouraged to put their name forward.
The deadline for entries is 4pm tomorrow (Thursday). Nomination forms can be found here.
There are nearly 30 vacancies for the voluntary roles across most of Shetland community councils.
Only Nesting and Lunnasting, Northmavine, Sandness and Walls, Sandsting and Aithsting and Skerries do not have vacancies.
If there are more nominations received than vacancies, a postal ballot will take place in that community council area.
Historically interest in standing for community council seats has varied, with elections generally a rare occurrence.
Community councils usually meet every four to six weeks and they are involved in a range of duties, including commenting on planning applications, and providing financial assistance to local groups and projects.
The age limit for membership has reduced to 16.
Association of Shetland Community Councils chairman Jim Anderson, who also presides over the Lerwick Community Council, encouraged anyone interested to put their name forward.
He has been a community councillor for around 20 years.
“It’s an opportunity to make a difference and to help the community,” Anderson said.
He added that it is also the ideal time to see a more balanced representation amongst Shetland’s 18 community councils – particularly when it comes to the age of members.
Anderson said the role is not particularly arduous when it comes to taking up spare time – and he quipped it is an opportunity to see “less keyboard warriors” and more people coming forward to make a difference.
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