Muir of Ord urges locals to become 'voice, eyes and ears' of community to help continue to improve village life
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A ROSS-SHIRE village has issued an urgent appeal to locals to step up after its community council failed to form.
Muir of Ord was one of a number of communities where a lack of volunteers coming forward meant the demise – for now, at least – of the watchdog council.
The grassroots organisations are sometimes called "the voice, eyes and ears" of the community
Communities from Tain in the east to Stromeferry in the west failed to attract the minimum number of candidates ahead of the latest community council election deadline.
Others include Dornie, Balintore and Hilton, Muir of Ord, Nigg and Shandwick, and Resolis.
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The Muir of Ord Community Council Facebook page has now issued a "Your village needs you" appeal in a bid to rally interest.
It posted: "We would like to make you aware sadly Muir of Ord Community Council failed to form due to lack of persons willing to join,
"Currently this means Muir of Ord does not have a community council.
"All community councils are important as they are the voice, eyes and ears of your community."
It flags another chance to form the community council for Muir of Ord and surrounding areas in mid-January 2024.
It added: "It is very important to continue the good work the community council has done for our area in the past – funding from wind farms; OAP Christmas meals, bringing attention to important issues within the area; having a positive vision for the better of the community."
Details can be found on the Highland Council website for the next ballot.
The publication of notice of election and online nomination forms will next be made on January 15, 2024.
At the end of January, Highland Council will publish a list of nominations and notices of contested elections depending on the numbers coming forward.
Elections where required will take place on Tuesday, March 19.
Should the number of candidates validly nominated equal or exceed half, but be less than or equal to the total maximum permitted membership, those candidates will be declared elected from this date and no ballot will be held.
