A war of words has broken out between Highland Council, a senior councillor and a community leader who fears a “disaster” as community council lists are returned today.
David McGrath, former chairman of Smithton and Culloden Community Council, as previously raised concerns the local authority has failed to promote the upcoming community council elections effectively.
Mr McGrath has criticised the fact that posters and leaflets were distributed to existing community council members in a move he said was “preaching to the converted”.
The council extended the deadline for nominations by three weeks to today’s deadline due to the low number of applications.
That move has pushed the election date back to Wednesday, December 4.
Mr McGrath yesterday said: “The Highland Council is just ticking the boxes. They aren’t really listening.
“I fear it is going to be a disaster and a high percentage of community councils will be unable to form due to the low numbers.”
Highland Council yesterday strongly rebutted Mr McGrath’s claims and accusations, with a spokeswoman saying the authority had promoted the opportunity to stand for community council roles “widely across the area”.
She said: “This has included press releases, social media posts and direct communication with existing community councillors.
“Posters and leaflets were distributed to existing community councils to use locally.
“They are also on display in key council premises and on social media.”
Deputy leader of the Highland Council, Councillor Alasdair Christie, yesterday weighed in adding: “To say the council doesn’t listen to community councils is inaccurate and untrue.”
