SOME of the Wee County's community councils may be dissolved as a result of funding cut backs from Kilncraigs.

A cessation of the funding is one proposal in the local authority's Budget Engagement 2019-20 publication, which was recently released for consultation.

The role of a community council (CC) is to bridge the gap between local authorities and communities, and to ensure everyone's voice is heard.

The announcement prompted widespread criticism from Wee County CCs, as many have already been increasing fundraising efforts and taking on more responsibilities in recent years.

Whilst many members acknowledged Clackmannanshire Council was in a dire financial situation, they questioned whether the potential saving would be worth the loss to communities.

Caroline Crawford, secretary of Menstrie CC, said the proposal would have a "big impact".

She said: "Menstrie Community Council only gets a £400 a year grant. That doesn't even cover our paper and our cartridges for the printer.

"It doesn't seem like a lot, £400, but to us it's a lot of money.

"It beggars belief because there's only about eight or nine community councils in Clackmannanshire, so if you add up the grants it's not a huge saving."

Carol Smith, chair of Clackmannan CC, added: "Potentially the community council could fold, because we rely on that funding to do anything.

"I know it's a dire financial situation at the council, but I don't think they're being objective enough – that's my opinion."

The volunteers in Alva are concerned the funding withdrawal will have an impact on public events run by the community council.

Sandra Rees, vice chairperson, said: "That's going to make a big impact on our budget, and we would have to dip into funding that we had raised from social events – which are meant to be plowed back into other social events.

"I don't think it means we would close, but some towns might not be in that situation and have to close."

Damian Sherwood-Johnson, chair of Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside CC, added: "The loss of our grant from the council will force us to look again at the priorities that are established in our Community Action Plan.

"If we are to achieve these aims, we will need to consider our financial position and perhaps seek additional funding from other sources."

Of the budget process, a spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: "No decisions have yet been taken. These are officer options which will be part of budget consultation, which will then inform the decision making of councillors at the budget meeting.

"If these options are agreed, they will then move to a statutory consultation process before any final decisions are taken."

To view the council's budget proposals, visit tinyurl.com/ya6h2qco