A recruiting crisis has seen another three Angus communities lose their political voice due to a lack of interest.
Forfar, Monifieth and Tealing have joined trouble-hit Arbroath which has not been in operation since 2013 in failing to establish a community council.
There are community council elections held every four years and the closing date for nominations was extended by a week in areas where there were insufficient numbers.
However, only 21 of the county’s 25 community councils managed to attain at least the required minimum number of nominees with Tealing getting just one nomination.
Retiring Forfar chairwoman Isobel Ross who stepped down after 18 years said it was “very disappointing” that the group was now dead.
“There are a lot of good people out there in Forfar who would have made excellent community councillors,” she said.
“There is still a chance the community council could be resurrected I would sincerely hope that could happen.”
Arbroath required 10 nominations but only received six while Forfar needed nine but got just seven.
Monifieth required seven nominations but got four and only one person put their name forward in the village of Tealing which has a population of just over 500; where four were needed.
Communities convener Donald Morrison said: “It is sad that three of our burghs will be without a community council. It is also disappointing that a rural village like Tealing was unfortunate in not getting enough numbers.
“Community councils play an important role because they are an additional voice in the community and an important one.
“They are often able to do things that the council often can’t because of budget constraints things such as organising community events, such as, firework displays.
“So they are a vital part of the process but I should stress all is not lost though nominations have closed, if any of the four areas without a community council find the necessary numbers to set-up then there is still the opportunity for people to play their part.”
Community councils bridge the gap between local authorities and communities.
Their primary purpose is to ascertain and express the views of the community to the local authority and other public bodies.
A council spokesman said: “Four community councils have not been established at this time Arbroath, Forfar, Monifieth and Tealing as there were not enough nominations received in their area.
“It is important to stress that anyone wishing more information about how to re-establish a community council in their area can contact the Election Team on elections@angus.gov.uk or call 01307 476060.”