Plea for new chair to step up and save group

CANONBIE Community Council is in desperate need of a chairperson to allow it to continue.

At the recent AGM in Gilnockie Hall, current chair Carol Modwood retired from the position.

And although the treasurer and secretary roles were filled, no other member stepped forward to take up the top job.

Annandale East and Eskdale Cllr Denis Male, above, is concerned it will mean the end of the group if a chair can’t be found.

He said: “The community council has to have a chairperson, secretary and treasurer to fulfil the remit of the organisation of the DG Council constitution.

“If the community council cannot resolve the issue and find a chairperson then Canonbie and district will struggle with important issues such as the distribution of windfarm money, making recommendations on planning issues concerning the area, windfarms, solar farms, housing issues, road repairs and work with local DG councillors who attend their meetings.”

An emergency meeting has been set for June 2 in Canonbie Hall at 7.30 pm.

Urging villagers to step up, Cllr Male added: “The council have five vacant slots and it is vital the chairperson’s position is resolved or the organisation will close and it will be several months before another attempt can be made.

“Many local organisations will suffer financially. I would highlight the important and hard work that council members have put in voluntarily over the years and it will be absolutely detrimental to the area if it closes.

“It is vital there is a good turnout from the community and from organisations which benefit from windfarm grants, etc. So please, please come to the meeting.”