RESIDENTS in Johnstone are being urged to help shape their future by joining the town’s community council.

There are fears the group, which currently has six members, may have to disband if it doesn’t receive enough nominations before an interim election scheduled for the end of this month.

Several people have recently left the organisation, including Iain McMillan and Chris Gilmour, who could no longer continue as members after being elected as Labour members of Renfrewshire Council in May.

There are currently 24 vacancies available for those who wish to join Johnstone Community Council, with a minimum of 10 members required for the group to keep operating.

Kay Johnston, one of the remaining members, told The Gazette: “This group is of benefit to the community, as we have strived to raise funds for various projects and have been successful.

“We’ve given away thousands of pounds raised from previous gala days to good causes that needed money to keep going during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In recent years, we’ve found that local residents do like to come to meetings and raise points but they can be a wee bit reluctant to become members.

“I think it might be having to fill out an application form and getting their voters’ roll number from Renfrewshire Council but it’s actually quite a simple process.”

Community councils offer residents the chance to discuss matters of interest to their area, share views and ensure their voices are heard.

Renfrewshire Council consults with the group on issues such as planning, licensing and roads.

Community councils also have links with the police and other public bodies.
Kay, 73, said: “Over the years, we have successfully campaigned against parking charges in the town and got the seats at Ludovic Square cleaned up and restored.

“This past year, the biggest bone of contention was the cycle track going along Beith Road, which we also successfully campaigned against, as it was never going to be feasible.”

Nominations to join the group must be received no later than Friday, August 12.

For more information or to receive a nomination form, call Kay on 0788 130 4757 or send an email to kay.cj81@googlemail.com.