There are currently six community councils (CCs) in the Greenock and Inverclyde constituency – Gourock, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay, Port Glasgow West, Greenock West and Cardwell Bay, Larkfield, Braeside and Branchton, and Greenock South West.

Community councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland, bridging the gap between local authorities and communities to help the public bodies be aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent. 

Community councils empower local people to prioritise the needs of their area and can spark change due to ‘standing taller’ as a combined effort. 

They can act as a loud voice either for or against proposals for an area, i.e. large planning applications.

Attendances at CCs aren’t always great and sometimes there can be a challenge in getting enough people to become community councillors. 

Meetings sometimes are populated by stakeholders rather than by residents and this is proving to be a problem for Greenock South West, who are struggling to get people involved.

They aren’t alone though, as a resident at Larkfield, Braeside & Branchton CC claimed that so far this year less than 10 individual residents have attended their monthly meetings, in addition to community councillors and many stakeholders.

I’m therefore encouraging my constituents to consider getting involved with their local Community Council. Greenock South West, Greenock Central, Greenock East, Holefarm and Cowdenknowes and Port Glasgow East need your support.

If any constituents would like to know more about their local CC, they can look at Inverclyde Council’s website or contact my office.