RESIDENTS in two Wee County towns are needed to fill a combined 16 vacancies on community councils and take control of local issues.

There have been high levels of community-led activities in both areas of Alva as well as in Tullibody, Cambus and Glenochil, explained Provost Tina Murphy as she looked to encourage people to get involved.

Notices are in place about interim community council elections with the closing date for nominations on Wednesday, October 2, at 4pm.

Anyone who appears on the electoral register and is over the age of 16 can stand, all they need is a proposer and a seconder.

Provost Murphy, who was keen to stress the importance of the elections, said: “The high level and quality of community-led activity in these two areas over the last year or so has been admirable.

“Standing for election or nominating someone to do so is just one more way in which residents can meaningfully help drive collective efforts to safeguard the interests of their communities and I would recommend anyone who is wondering if they should become a community councillor to take the next step and get a nomination form."

There is a two-stage election process administered by the local authority; prospective candidates do not need to be known to their respective community council nor attend any meetings in advance.

Alva Community Council has seven vacancies, while the organisation representing Tullibody, Cambus and Glenochil is hoping to fill nine empty positions.

Nomination packs are available from the Elections Office at Clackmannanshire Council, email elections@clacks.gov.uk or call 01259 452 266.