Leven Community Council could be dissolved

The community council submitted applications from nine people who wished to be members – the number needed to be reconstituted.

However, it was only after the closing date had passed that the community council was informed that one of the applications lacked a secondary signature, and was therefore void.

It means it was one application short of being reconstituted, and now faces closure.

Unless a solution is found by tomorrow (Thursday,) an EGM will be called and the council dissolved.

In the result of this happening, a petition would be set up, requiring the signatures of 20 Leven residents. However, it might be as late as March 2019 when it could be reconstituted.

Glenn Allan, chair of Leven Community Council, said that “common sense needs to prevail” and questioned why the organisation was not informed that it needed a signature, thus avoiding this situation.

“It could also be a positive,” he added. “It’s also a chance for the community council to engage with the people of Leven, to get interest and bring new members on board.”

The community council is a vital part of Leven, organising events such as PromFest, Remembrance events, and the Christmas lights switch-on.

“We provide a voice for the people of the community,” Mr Allan said. “We are a good conduit between the people and Fife Council.

“We also pick up concerns from people in Leven and raise them. We are a vital resource for Leven.”

Cllr Alistair Suttie, a former chair of the community council, said he would be speaking with election officers to see if the council could continue to operate and that he also hoped “common sense will prevail”

He added: “I realise there are rules to be adhered to, but it must be remembered that those coming forward to serve on the councils are all volunteers, who give their time freely to serve their community.”

Mike Melville, electoral services manager, said due to the volume of issues with nominations papers in the run up to the deadline, the elections team “could not contact everyone and resolve every single issue”.

He added: “Local electors can call for fresh elections to the community council with a petition signed by 20 electors. The returning officer intends to run any elections arising from petitions in March 2019.”