The north-east’s biggest town will once again be served by a community council after local residents rallied to relaunch the voluntary group.
Peterhead’s community council was dissolved in the autumn due to a lack of interest and infighting, but earlier this year Aberdeenshire Council issued a fresh appeal for volunteers in the area to come forwards.
In total 17 people submitted their names for consideration at the first meeting which took place at the local authority’s Buchan House HQ in the town this week.
Area manager Chris White said: “I am delighted that so many people have come forward to re-establish the community council for our largest town.
“It has a vital role to play in representing the views of the community to Aberdeenshire Council and other public bodies and look forward to working constructively with the community council as it develops its work.”
Community councils are voluntary bodies but do have statutory rights to be consulted on planning applications in their areas.
Peterhead is shared between two local authority wards and as a result the community group will have some members representing the north of the town and other representing the south.
A spokesman for the new group said: “There is no point sitting back and waiting for something to happen, we need to work together to make a difference and improve Peterhead.”
Former community councillor Stephen Calder, who was elected to Aberdeenshire Council as an independent member at May’s election, has said the group has a vital role to play in the port.
“It’s an important part of the way the town works,” Mr Calder said. “It’s essential with all the developments which are taking place and the changes we’re facing.”
There are still three vacancies on the community council and anyone interested can contact Maureen Stephen at Buchan House on 01779 483 202.
To be eligible for the community council, candidates must be aged 18 and over and either appear on the electoral roll for the area or have their principal residence within the boundary.
Business owners in Peterhead can also put their names forward.
