THE secretary of Erskine Community Council will step down from his role in the coming months, writes Jack Thomson.
Veteran community activist Andrew Horner returned to the fold a year ago at a time when the the group was struggling.
But now the community council is back on its feet, under the guidance of chairman Sam Mullin, Mr Horner will hang up his boots.
READ MORE: Erskine activists call for community to fight Persimmon Homes plans
And he has taken the opportunity to urge people in the town to get involved, with elections due to take place at the end of the summer.
He said: “The whole job of the community council is to hold Renfrewshire Council to account.
“We should be there complaining to them and urging them to do things, whether it’s sorting potholes or footpaths.
“We are a link between the people of the town and the official bodies. We are just adding weight and authority to any issues going on. We are trying to help the community.
“I was on the community council for five years, three of which I was secretary, and then I left.
“But I recognised they had a lot of issues so when Sam took over as chair, I made a deal with him and said I would help for a year. It just so happens that has tied in with elections.”
Erskine Community Council has made its voice heard on a number of matters in the town in the last year.
These have ranged from the opening of the gym at Park Mains High School to members of the public to fighting Persimmon Homes’ plans to build houses at a site next to Erskine Bridge Hotel.
Mr Horner added: “The elections are done by September, so we need people to show an interest by August.
READ MORE: Plans to develop more than 200 new homes in Erskine take step forward
“We’re trying to drum up some support. We have always struggled. There’s 15,000 in Erskine and we struggle to get 20 people to come along to the community council.”
Erskine Community Council meets on a monthly basis at the Old Farm House, Meadows Drive.
If you are interested in standing for election contact secretaryecc@hotmail.co.uk
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