A Joint Awareness Seminar for Community Councils and Tenants’ associations in East Lothian was held at the Town House in Haddington last week. Here’s a summary from local community councillor Fiona Tennick.
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This was organised (very effectively) in the Town House main hall by tables, rather than sitting in rows. Many people already knew each other and the whole thing was really a networking exercise, so I set about getting to know those around my table:
Irene Tait – Musselburgh Community Council
Councillor Jim Gillies
Mark Ormiston – Tenants’ Association, Ormiston
Joy Stewart – Tenants’ Association, Tranent
We were made to feel valuable, as the main line of communication between East Lothian Council and the communities attending; especially given the diversity of those communities.
Formal welcomes were given by Angela Veitch (who promised to continue visiting each of the Community Councils over the coming year), and the Leader of ELC, Willie Innes.
The purpose of the 24 Tenants’ and Residents’ groups was outlined and discussed, to underline the important work they undertake, including involvement in Rent increases, Tenancy Breaches and local projects such as playparks, gardens, community events and the setting up of group websites.
Then, they went on to outline the purpose of the 20 Community Councils – their role and involvement. It was all pretty obvious, but good to see the ELC take what we have to say seriously as their only means of contact with the people they serve.
A leaflet had been designed to go with the October Community Council Elections. They are keen to involve community groups in the devolution of as many “Local Priority Decisions” as possible, via the funding given to these bodies.
Then two reps from Muirpark Tenants and Residents Association and Elphinstone Communty Council described how they had usefully worked together. They were keen to attend all of each others’ meetings!
Then followed a group discussion: TOGETHER WE CAN….
- Solve major problems
- Start new projects, etc
Attendees then had to think of five things that would make our villages a better place.
I suggested:
1. More events and activities that include youngsters and;
2. More all-village events and activities e.g. an Open Gardens Day, a community BBQ, and a Village Choir in the Gareth Malone style, a Promises Auction, etc.
These met with universal approval both in the group & feedback. In all a useful networking event.
Fiona Tennick
Community Councillor, Pencaitland
27the June 2012
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