PORTOBELLO COMMUNITY COUNCIL

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An Introduction to Portobello Community Council by Tom Smith



Community Councils are set up under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Although they are statutory bodies they have no statutory powers, except that local government must consult them on all planning matters. Hopefully this will change in the near future if the Scottish Parliament can be persuaded to bring decision-making in local affairs closer to the people.

Community Councils are non-political, non-religious and non-sectarian. No members are paid, except for things like postage and bus fares.

Portobello CC was formed in 1982 and is entitled to ten elected members and ten members from local interest groups, who can nominate one of their number to represent them. Members serve for three years. Portobello also has two young people from Portobello High School who take an active part in meetings.

The Community Council works closely with other groups such as Portobello Amenity Society and Portobello History Society and has formed several sub committees to take forward various ideas and suggestions from CC members and members of the public. These include Joppa Tennis Club, Portobello Counts, Harry Lauder Memorial, John Street Paddling Pool and Keep Porty Tidy.

In recent years the CC has organised Torchlight Processions and Carol Singing at Christmas, hustings at election times, children`s painting exhibitions and river and park clean-ups. We have put on concerts, provided information boards on the Promenade and established the Harry Lauder memorial garden, along with many other projects to benefit the local community.

Our efforts, and the strength of the community as a whole, were recognised in our award of the prestigious Calor Gas Urban Community of the Year in 1999. We were also Commended in three categories in 2001.



Tom Smith stood down as Chair in May 2002 after serving for 3 years.