Councillor Sarah Fanet urges Lochaber residents to consider standing in community council elections.
She says: “As the deadline to submit self-nominations approaches, I want to strongly encourages members of all communities in Lochaber to consider becoming a community councillor.
“Community councils have been my bedrock since the first day I was first elected, back in 2021. Covid restrictions were still in place and community councillors were my main point of liaison with communities.
“I do not know how I would be able to help communities without the community councils who act as a link between the community and the local authority.
“Community Councils discuss a range of issues, including buildings, roads, services, facilities, planning and licensing and those discussions happen to reflect the views of the residents.
“The Scottish Government has recently introduced Local Place Plans to encourage communities to play an active role in the planning for their area. Community councils will be essential in the development and submission a Local Place Plans that will set out a vision and priorities for the future of their local place, particularly around the use of land and buildings.
“My message is very simple: we need community councils and as a Highland Councillor I have found the contribution of community councillors invaluable and I am very grateful for their work.
“I am therefore strongly encouraging everyone aged 16+ to consider becoming a community councillor.
“I want to seize the opportunity to thank all current community councillors for their hard work and wish them all the very best whether they wish to stand again or pass the baton to new recruits. I look forward to continuing the hard work with the new teams in every community of my ward.”