STONEHAVEN and District Community Council, SDCC, is in need of a chair.
At their recent AGM, no-one was willing to stand for the job. SDCC also failed to secure a treasurer, though one member, Rachel Frame, agreed to take on the post of secretary and Alistair Lawrie is willing to fulfil the more occasional task of vice-chair.
There is no problem with the number in SDCC’s ranks. The Bellman understands there are 12 members, which is comfortably in excess of the minimum requirement of seven.
But without a chair, Stonehaven is left with a severely compromised community council. It was first understood SDCC would be taken under the wing of Aberdeenshire Council in what is called supported status – this would mean amongst other repercussions the loss of both statutory consultee status and the ability to post news and views on their website and social media channels.
Subsequent to a meeting with area manager Tim Stephen, however, SDCC will be permitted to limp on in the hope of filling the essential office bearer posts.
SDCC continue to serve locals by posting notices and information on their Facebook page –
Your community council needs you
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: ”SDCC is still currently functioning, though it needs to appoint a chair, which can be an existing member or could potentially be a new recruit being elected to SDCC.”
With supermarket applications, proposed electrical infrastructure developments and associated community benefits and the next Local Development Plan on the horizon, now is not the time to lose our local voice.
The spokesperson added: ”Community Councils are a valued stakeholder in community planning and community empowerment, along with their role in local democracy including providing public feedback and responding to a range of consultations including a statutory right to be consulted on planning applications.
Would you be interested in representing your town?
Secretary Rachel Frame said she wanted to encourage new membership.
”We currently have three co-option spaces if anyone is interested in joining the SDCC and its important role as a statutory consultee,” she said.
There will be challenges
It can undoubtedly prove interesting and rewarding to chair the Community Council. But it must be admitted it is not going to be an easy job.
SDCC have reached this sorry outcome after months of internal difficulties provoking a succession of resignations from now three chairpersons and a number of members. Anyone taking the lead role will have to cope with an ongoing dynamic that appears to be placing many burdens on the membership.
If you are willing to assist, then please contact SDCC by emailing secretary@stonehavencc.org.uk