Kirky CC facing uncertain future

Acting chairman Gordon Carmichael said unless more people come forward to help form a committee, the group will be forced to shut down.

And he warned this could mean the end of Kirkintilloch’s popular annual Gala Week in June, which is organised by the community council.

Gordon said: “Having no gala would be a big loss to the area. It is very popular and many charities benefit from it.

“Unfortunately, there are only four people left on the committee. We can’t run the community council with this amount.”

The community council suffered a big blow when its stalwart chairwoman, Heather Gartshore died last month after a short illness.

A number of other deaths in the past few years have also depleted the committee.

Gordon said: “Heather was a major driving force in the community council and despite failing health she remained committed to the community. Her loss, especially, is huge.”

The closure crisis will be highlighted at the community council’s approaching annual general meeting in Kirkintilloch Miners Welfare Club on Monday, February 16.

Gordon said: “Local people need to decide whether they want a community council or not.

“Without the ongoing support and engagement of a significant number of local citizens it will not continue to operate.

“This will endanger not only the long-standing annual Gala Week, but also the Remembrance Parade and service each November.

“This is particularly significant with the 100th anniversary of the First World War last year and the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War this year.”

He added: “The AGM will incorporate an ‘open conversation’ to enable participants to express their views. We want to hear from people.”

Gordon said the community council were particularly keen to hear from people interested in new technology who can help the council forge its way ahead through its website and social media.

He added: “The community council needs a new direction and it needs to show its teeth. We are looking for, and would welcome, a web designer and someone with experience of social media.”

Anyone who can help is 
invited to attend Monday’s meeting or contact the 
community council by email through their website at
 www.kirkintillochcommunity.com