Angus Council is looking to resurrect Arbroath’s community council from the ashes.
The trouble-hit community council fell by the wayside two years ago after months of infighting and uncertainty.
Cracks began to appear when chairwoman Patricia Millar quit in December 2011 after 24 years’ service as a community councillor amid an apparent power struggle in the ranks.
Meetings were then put on hold after an incident in April 2013 which saw six police officers called to the regular meeting venue, Arbroath Volunteer Centre.
The 999 call was made by secretary Angela Smith, who became distressed over heated questions over the proposed closure of Arbroath Sheriff Court.
That resulted in meetings being put scrapped over the summer months before Angus Council officials finally shut down the group in September 2013 after a string of resignations put membership below the required level.
Notice of election has now been published for members to serve on Angus community councils including 20 posts in Arbroath.
Mrs Millar now says she would not rule out a return to the community council despite walking away four years ago.
She said: “A community council has been sadly lacking in Arbroath. Arbroath is the biggest town in Angus and it needs to have a representative voice of its people.
“I would welcome community minded people from all ages and all backgrounds submitting a nomination.
“Would I put my own name forward? My head tells me no but my heart beats Arbroath. Is it wise to go back? Am I yesterday’s news?
“But I think I still have something to give. It’s a lot of work but it is very rewarding when you make a difference.
“I would like to think I could take on a mentoring role because I’ve been there, seen it and got the T-shirt.”
There are vacancies available in Aberlemno, Auchterhouse, Carnoustie, Brechin, Ferryden and Craig, Friockheim, Glamis, Hillside, Dun and Logie Pert, Inverarity, Inveresk, Kirriemuir, Kirriemuir Landward East, Kirriemuir Landward West, Letham and District, Lunanhead & District, Monifieth, Monikie and Newbigging, Montrose, Muirhead, Birkhill and Liff, Murroes and Wellbank, Newtyle and Eassie, Forfar, Strathmartine and Tealing.
From now until Monday September 28, residents are invited to put themselves forward as candidates in their community council area by submitting a nomination paper and personal statement to the returning officer.
Nomination forms are available from the Returning Officer (Community Council Elections), Elections Office, Angus House, Orchardbank Business Park, Forfar, DD8 1AN, Community Council secretaries.
They can also be downloaded from our community council election pages and can be submitted on any week day between 10am to 4pm up until 4pm on September 28.
Maps of community council areas are available to view in public libraries and can also be viewed on our community council pages.
Voting for contested elections is scheduled to take place on week beginning Monday October 26, with results declared a week later.
Anyone who requires further information or advice can contact the returning officer (community council elections) on 01307 476261 or email elections@angus.gov.uk.