A NEW community council is set to be established in Dalry and nominations are now being sought for members.

North Ayrshire Council has received a request from 20 local electors to form the voluntary organisation.

Residents interested in getting involved and becoming a Dalry Community Council candidate can put themselves forward between now and the deadline of Tuesday, November 19.

The last elections for Dalry Community Council took place in 2021-22 but the organisation later dissolved due to a drop in membership.

Community councils are the most local tier of statutory representation in Scotland, bridging the gap between local authorities and communities.

Their main purpose is to be representatives of their local community, gathering community opinion, and sharing the views of the community with key decision-makers.

They help to make public bodies, such as the council, aware of the opinions and needs of the communities they represent. Many are also involved in local fundraising, organising community events and engaging with local people.

David Hammond, the council's executive director of communities and housing, said: “Community councils represent democracy at its grassroots.

“Local community councils are at the very heart of locality partnerships to ensure that the work and priorities of community planning partners, community councils and the wider community are right for their local area and everyone is working cohesively to achieve the same ambitions.

“So, if you want to be part of the action in Dalry, why not nominate yourself and make a real difference in your area?”

Candidates for election must be aged over 16 and live within the boundary of the community council.

Nomination papers can be obtained by emailing the elections team at: elections@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or by telephoning 01294 324729.

Completed nomination papers must contain the name and address of the person nominated and the names and addresses of two proposers, each of whom should be a local government elector for the area.

Each nomination paper must be signed by the person nominated and the two proposers. Community councillors serve in a voluntary capacity.