Crieff could be going to polls
By-election is possible after mass resignations
A by- election may have to be called in the wake of the recent swathe of resignations from Crieff Community Council.
The sudden departure of Stephen Leckie, Jean Ann Scott Miller, Angus MacDonald, Graham Donaldson, Chris McIntosh, David McNaughton, Sheilanne Smith and Andrew Snowball leave the group with five members.
Remaining members Craig Finlay, Dorothy Young, Marnie Gauld, Rodger Cartwright and Alexander Fernie are two short of the required number needed to avoid the group becoming inquorate.
Mr Finlay said he had already been approached by several locals keen to step up to the plate.
He said: “Those of us remaining will now work to put the disruptive issues of the past few weeks behind us and continue to focus on growing the good work we have been cultivating recently.
“It’s important we have a team of community councillors who join for the right reasons – to make life better for others – and I’m pleased to say that I’ve already been contacted by three people expressing an interest in joining. We certainly won’t have a problem filling the empty spaces left.”
He continued: “Speaking as one of the five community councillors left, we were elected in November last year for a four-year term and will be meeting as soon as possible to confirm the date for an EGM, to decide on office-bearers and new members.”
Conser vative Strathearn councillor Ann Cowan said: “It was with much regret that I learnt of the resignations of eight members of the Crieff Community Council, including all four office-bearers.
“I feel the town has been extremely fortunate over the last few years with community council members who have been very hard-working, helpful to many local people, and have achieved a huge amount of good things for the town.
“They have always had my full support, and still do. As volunteers they have indeed served their community well.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all the departing members for their contributions over the years.”
South Perthshire and Kinross-shire SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham said: “These are extremely unfortunate developments which I hope can be resolved.”
Ochil and South Perthshire SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh said: “I was disappointed to learn that further members of the local community council in Crieff have resigned.
“Community councillors play an effective role in championing their local communities, so I’d encourage local residents in Crieff to come forward and get involved to ensure that the valuable work of this group can continue into the future.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Once we receive confirmation of all of the resignations we will be able to determine whether a by-election will have to be called.
“If there are seven members they can continue but, until we have formal notification of who is standing down, we can’t say at the moment.”
Prior to the resignations, the date for the next community council meeting was set for September 5.
However, it is thought at least an informal meeting between the existing members will be arranged prior to that date.