Volunteer visibility discussed at recent meeting in Annan

ANNAN community councillors could soon be sporting photo identity cards and high-visibility jackets after a recent proposal was made at this week’s community council meeting.

After a recent incident where voluntary work conducted by community councillors John and Margaret Ramage was met with police intervention when they were tending community garden tubs, Mr Ramage suggested that high visibility jackets and name badges may support visibility of their community activity in Annan, and to prevent community action being mistaken for action outwith the law.

The proposal suggests members wear recognisable vests to establish clear legitimacy and enhance the community council’s presence in public spaces.
Highlighting the need for the change, Mr Ramage said: “People see you. People know who you are. They know that the community council is working for them.”

If approved, the new ID cards would feature a member's photograph and the chairman’s signature.

As a template has already been designed, members were invited to bring photo- graphs to the next meeting to discuss moving the initiative forward.