THE woman who helped forge vital links between council and communities right across the area is set to retire after 20 years’ continuous service in West Dunbartonshire, ROY BEERS writes.

Community council liaison officer Anne Clegg, 62, was born in Cardross and went to school in Helensburgh, while her mum was from Clydebank and her dad from Hardgate. She started work with West Dunbartonshire Council as a research officer back in 1996.

Looking back on two decades of endeavour in the communities she knows so well, Ms Clegg says people have also been her big motivating factor, and that she’s drawn inspiration from a whole host of residents willing to “do their bit”.

She is particularly proud of the work she has done to develop the West Dunbartonshire Citizens’ Panel, which is a “focus group” of 1,500 local residents who provide input on a wide variety of issues by responding to surveys.

Ms Clegg said: “The panel reflects the West Dunbartonshire population well, and provides valuable information for planning and improving services, it has a good process through its annual newsletter and has been nationally recognised as a model of good practice.”

This follows on from her lengthy and close involvement with the work of the area’s community councils, which she sees as pivotal to the ongoing effort to empower local residents. She is clearly pleased she is leaving at a time when, she feels, the structure that puts communities in direct contact with decision makers is markedly stronger than when she started out.

She is disappointed that Renton doesn’t currently have a functioning community council, but added there is much to feel grateful for in the way things have developed in recent years.

There were nine functioning community councils (CC) when she took up her liaison post two years ago, and a priority was to develop new ones in areas where there were none.

Ms Clegg said: “Since then, four new community councils have been established: Linnvale and Drumry, Dalmuir and Mountblow, Bonhill and Dalmonach and Renton.

“Sadly Renton has since ceased to operate, so new interest is being looked for there, but I’m leaving CCs in a stronger position, with 12 now operating and one more hopeful for Duntocher and Hardgate.”

She added: “Community councils are important because they have a particular role to represent their communities. they have a statutory role in relation to planning applications, and are consulted about licensing and pharmacies.

“They also raise issues about a whole range of concerns, from the way the area looks to the safety of the area.

“They can take forward projects, work with other groups, campaign on issues and more.”

Her broad conclusion, based on all her considerable experience, is that it’s people who make a difference.

“If you get involved in your community, you can achieve a lot, along with others.”

Corporate and community planning manager Amanda Coulthard said: “We want to thank Anne for her valuable contribution to the council and the community.

“She’s the champion of the community voice and has had real success in involving residents and strengthening empowerment in her time in West Dunbartonshire.”