COMMUNITY Council by-elections are now taking place across South Ayrshire.

Being voluntary and set up and run by residents, community councillors work with decision makers, such as politicians and community councils are “well placed” to change communities for “the better”.

Members of a community council are elected for three years, where by-elections take place to fill any vacancies available.

The following community councils have current vacancies, so if you are over the age of 18 and are a resident within a community council area with a vacancy, you can be nominated to become a candidate.

They are:

Alloway and Doonfoot - 3 Alloway, 3 Doonfoot
Ballantrae - 1
Barrhill - 3
Belmont, Kincaidston & St Leonards - 2 Kincaidston, 3 Belmont North, 2 Belmont South, 3 St Leonards
Colmonell and Lendalfoot - 1
Craigie - 3
Dailly - 1
Dundonald - 4
Dunure - 2
Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill - 2 Castlehill, 2 Masonhill, 2 New Holmston
Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown - 3 Wallacetown
Girvan and District - 3
Kirkoswald, Maidens and Turnberry - 1
Loans - 5
Maybole - 4
Minishant - 2
Mossblown and St Quivox - 3
Newton & Heathfield - 4
North Ayr - 3 Dalmilling, 3 Craigie
Pinwherry and Pinmore - 4
Prestwick North - 3
Prestwick South     - 1 Prestwick South West, 1 Prestwick South East
Symington - 1
Tarbolton - 4
Troon - 3

Cllr Douglas Campbell, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “I would urge anyone who wants to make a difference in their community to ensure they’re nominated. 

“The by-election is your chance to join with like-minded people and have your say on important topics such as education and housing, so don’t miss out.”

Nomination forms and more information can be found by clicking on ‘elections’ at: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/community-councils/ you can also check which Community Council covers where you stay in the section under members and maps.

Completed nomination forms should be returned to: Returning Officer, Community Council Elections, South Ayrshire Council, County Buildings, Wellington Square, AYR KA7 1DR. They should be returned by midnight on Thursday, February 22.