COMMUNITIES in Argyll and Bute are welcoming their new community councillors following by-elections across the area.

Argyll and Bute Council wrote to all community councils in the area in July this year to find out whether by-elections should be held to fill vacant seats.  

These took place in several areas and, as a result, new community councillors have taken up post and are now serving their communities.

In two areas – Coll and East Kintyre – the number of nominations received exceeded the available seats, and will require further by-elections.

Election day for Coll and East Kintyre community councils will take place on Thursday 27 September.

Lead councillor for community, Louise Glen-Lee, said: “Becoming involved with your local community council is an excellent way of making a difference. Community councillors play an extremely important role in helping to represent people’s views and give them a voice. It has been encouraging to see so many people coming forward and expressing an interest in getting involved. I wish them all the best as they serve the people of Argyll and Bute.”

Additional information
Community councils in the following areas requested by-elections:
Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands: Campbeltown, West Kintyre, East Kintyre, Tarbert and Skipness, Islay, Colonsay, South Knapdale, Ardrishaig, Lochgilphead, Furnace.
Helensburgh and Lomond: Rhu and Shandon, Arrochar and Tarbet, Helensburgh.
Oban, Lorn and the Isles: Mull, Iona, Coll, Glenorchy and Innishail, Luing, Seil and Easdale, Kilmore.
Bute and Cowal: Lochgoil, Hunter's Quay, Kilmun, Ardentinny, Sandbank, Dunoon, South Cowal, Bute.
New community councillors in all areas except Coll and East Kintyre, where nominations exceeded vacant seats, have taken up post. Coll and East Kintyre will hold elections on Thursday 27 September.
More information about community councils in Argyll and Bute, including contact details, can be found at http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/community-councillors