How YOU can become the voice for your area

Monday 31 August marks the start of the 2009 community council election period

Community councils are looking for people who care about their local area and who want to make it better. By getting involved, you can become the voice of your area and speak out about community concerns and issues.

Each community council receives a grant from the Council to help fund activities and invest in issues you feel are important.

The Council, Police, health and the voluntary and community sectors all work together within the partnerships to enhance the quality of life in local neighbourhoods.

Community council members should be free of political bias and anybody of any race, gender or religion can get involved.

Nomination forms will be available from your returning officer at the end of August. A list of returning officers will be available on the Council’s and the Neighbourhood Partnership’s websites.

Meet John Stewart, secretary of the Old Town community council

How did you first get involved?

I was part of a local campaigning group for the Calton Gate development. At a meeting I saw a community council leaflet looking for representatives. I’ve been involved for three years and secretary for two. I work full-time at Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, so it’s quite difficult to balance the two.

What are the main issues and concerns in the Old Town?

The Calton Gate development was a big issue for residents and the developers and agencies involved came to be quizzed by residents and to hear what we were saying. Another issue is A-boards on Old Town pavements which can cause traffic and other problems around the Canongate and Royal Mile. There is a high number of stag and hen parties that come to Edinburgh for short-term accommodation. Residents have noise and alcohol-related issues.

Can any local person get involved?

All community council meetings are open to the public and we are always looking for people to come along. Meetings take place at the City Chambers on the second Tuesday of the month, except for August. If you wish to speak at the meeting you should get in touch with the secretary (secretary@edinburgholdtowncc.org.uk), but we also have an open forum at the end for people to put across their views.

What’s your greatest achievement?

I have developed the website, www.edinburgholdtowncc.org.uk, to ensure all minutes and notes from public meetings are available and I’m constantly updating it. It’s something that I’ve really worked hard to develop.