A HARDGATE resident has been backed by West Dunbartonshire Council in calls for a resurrection of the Duntocher and Hardgate Community Council.

Charlie Sherry, who has lived in the area for 14 years, said he was surprised to learn the area – which is home to 7,000 residents - had been without a community council for more than a decade and felt it was a matter of democratic importance that it be re-instated.

The 50-year-old said: “The main library in Clydebank puts on elections for community councils and I found out the area didn’t have one anymore and I thought ‘that can’t be right’ because I’m a great believer in local democracy and I think it’s important get democracy closer to the people.

“We’re not connected to anyone party – our only agenda is bettering our community.

“We’ve had a great positive response so I’m confident we’ll get one up and running.”

One of main issues Charlie would like to see tackled by the new community council ensuring building works do not take place on the green belt, which, he says, has been rumoured.

"We need access to the Council papers to find out what stage – if any – that is in planning," he added, "I personally would be against it but it would have to be discussed."

The Council is encouraging residents to apply for the chance to represent their area and will be accepting applications until 4pm on Thursday, August 18.

Councillor Kath Ryall, the Council’s Convener of Corporate Services, said: “Community councils provide a level of local representation that is really important in helping us deliver on that.

“It is fantastic to see residents engaging with the Council to get a group started, and I would encourage anyone who lives in the area to apply.”

Councillor Tommy Rainey, Vice-Convener, added: “Community councils have successfully worked with the Council on several projects to date including generating funds for new play areas, introducing pavement features such as lowered kerbs for prams and wheelchairs, and carrying out local surveys.

“It is great to see Duntocher and Hardgate on its way to joining our existing 11 active community councils.”

Anyone can become a community councillor as long as they are over the age of 16, live in the area and are on the electoral role.

Nomination forms are available to download from the Community Council section of the Council’s website at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/community-councils, meanwhile paper copies are available from Duntocher Library and Regulatory Services at the Council’s Garshake Road offices in Dumbarton.

And Charlie hopes everyone will seriously consider applying for the council, as he puts it "If you're concerned and you care about your community and you have got a bit of spare time – you don't need a lot of time – why not come along and put yourself forward? This is your chance."