A NEW community council is set to be formed to represent Stevenston and the surrounding district.

North Ayrshire Council has received a request from 20 local electors for a community council to be established in the Stevenston area.

The role of a community council is important as it ascertains, coordinates and expresses the views of its community to public authorities.

It can take such action in the interests of its community as is desirable. Community councils also form part of the Locality Partnerships of North Ayrshire.

These agree the priorities for each locality and try to ensure that everyone, public agencies and community work in a co-ordinated way to address these priorities Anyone wishing to put themselves forward to become a community councillor must be aged over 16 and live within its boundary.

Nomination papers can be obtained from the Chief Executive’s Office, Cunninghame House, Irvine, during weekdays from 9am to 4.45 pm, by emailing committeeservices@ north-ayrshire.gov.uk or calling the Committee Services Team on 01294 324131.

Completed nomination papers must contain the name and address of the person nominated and the names and addresses of two proposers, each of whom should be a local government elector for the area.

Each nomination paper must also be signed by the person nominated and the two proposers. Completed nomination papers must be received by the Council Chief Executive at Cunninghame House by noon on March 6.

In the event that the number of nominations received meets the minimum requirement – five – and does not exceed the maximum membership allowed – 10 – all nominees will be appointed to the community council.

Should the number of nominations received exceed 10, a ballot will be held at the election meeting, with all local electors in attendance eligible to cast a vote.

This election would be held at 7pm on Tuesday, 13 March, at Ardeer Neighbourhood Centre, 23 Shore Road, Stevenston, KA20 3NB.