ELECTIONS for new community councillors for St Boswells will take place on April 5 and local residents are being urged to put their names forward as a number of long-standing councillors are retiring at this year’s annual general meeting, writes St Boswells correspondent, Kate Warner.
St Boswells community councillors represent the area in local planning matters and current and future development plans; the use of the Green; maintenance of the community woodland and public footpaths around St Boswells, as well as debating local issues and opportunities.
To ensure that all of this important work continues it is crucial that new members come forward.
Meetings are held once a month, except July and December, and are non-political, varied and interesting – with representatives of Scottish Borders Council and the Police Liaison Office attending to update councillors and members of the public on local issues and concerns.
Alison Reed, current chairperson of the village’s community council says she has enjoyed her long stint as a councillor and that it has been a very fulfilling role.
“Being part of the community council has had so many benefits for me – feeling part of the local community, keeping up to date with developments and news from Scottish Borders Council, and feeling that you are doing something positive for the village,” she said.
“If you are interested in your local community, able to see both sides of an argument and would like to participate in decisions which shape your local area then the community council is definitely for you.”
If you would like more information about St Boswells Community Council please contact Mrs Reed at abreed@hotmail.co.uk or call Douglas Oliver on 01835 822100 for an informal chat.
Or why not come along to the next St Boswells Community Council meeting on March 29 at 7.30pm in the Lesser Hall, St Boswells Village Hall, and see for yourself if the role of community councillor might suit you.
Nomination forms for St Boswells Community Council elections are available from St Boswells Post Office or from members of the community council.