Scotland's community council network 'dying'

[wangi]

Given our current Takeaways, restaurants & Community Council representations thread I though some may be interested in this item from the news today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-15545566

Scotland's network of community councils could be "dead" within 10 years, the president of the charity that represents the bodies has warned.

Vincent Waters said the councils would cease to exist "by default" unless younger members became involved.

A fifth of Scotland's 1,514 community councils are currently suspended because of a lack of interest, research by the BBC has found.

Of the active ones, nine out of 10 are formed without elections.

The high number of uncontested councils has led to accusations that many do not represent their communities. The bodies, which have been in existence since 1975, have a statutory role in planning, licensing and other areas.

Mr Waters, from the Association of Scottish Community Councils (ASCC), said the lack of contested elections was "unhealthy" for democracy and reputation.

...

The investigation shows that Edinburgh has 43 community councils, of which 100% are active, but also 100% uncontested with no elections. Actually Edinburgh also has three areas which community council have not been established (Silverknowes, Colinton, Gilmerton/Inch).

L/

[Porty]

Not sure how relevant this is but PCC did have Glory Days:

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.

[SoupDragon]

Wonder where they'd hold the wake

[seashell]

Are there any old-fashioned telephone boxes left? You could fit two people in those, if I remember correctly.