In October 2021 a new Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Community Council begins its four year term. There are currently places available for those who may wish to join the Community Council using the co-option procedure. If you are over 14 and resident in the wider Linlithgow area, then you may apply for a place on the Community Council. The Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge area is quite wide as shown on the map available here Linlithgow boundary map
Young people and those living in the more rural areas of the Linlithgow area are particularly encouraged to apply for a place on the Community Council. Those aged between 14 and 16 must complete a separate form please contact us with your name, telephone number and/or email address Contact Us
The Community Council generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except July) at 7.30pm in the Burgh Halls; meetings finish shortly after 9pm. These meetings are open to members of the public and usually attract several residents particularly when an item on the agenda affects them personally. From May 2020 all meetings have been held online but meetings will revert to the Burgh Halls from the meeting on 28th September 2021. There have been benefits in online meetings which are not to be ignored in the future.
If you wish to speak to someone about being a member of the Community Council please submit your name, telephone number and/or email address in the contact form here Contact Us
So, what does the Community Council do and why is it important?
Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Community Council has been in operation in one form or another for over 30 years. It was established as a voluntary organisation under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 which states “the general purposes of a community council shall be to ascertain, co-ordinate and express to the local authorities for its area, and to public authorities, the views of the community which it represents, in relation to matters for which those authorities are responsible, and to take such action in the interest of that community as appears to be expedient and practicable”. Having recited the legal basis for the Community Council many people switch off with a comment along the lines of “Not for me I’m afraid, I would have nothing to contribute and I don’t have that much spare time”.
This begs the questions; do you have no opinion on local matters? Do you not mind where the next housing development occurs? Are you not concerned that West Lothian Council is withdrawing services? Do you have no opinion on the provision of parking, bus services, health and care, etc? In reality most people do have an opinion, a glance at Facebook proves this. The difference is that the Community Council does have influence which is currently being enhanced by the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act.
Most people have much to contribute. It’s interesting to find out what friends and neighbours think and to bring those thoughts to a Community Council meeting. Through this process the voice of the people of Linlithgow is heard by our local decision makers. Some members of the Community Council are also members of local voluntary groups which benefits both the group and the Community Council.
In 2013 the Community Council together with Linlithgow Civic Trust formed the Linlithgow Planning Forum, constituted as a subcommittee of the Community Council with representatives of Linlithgow organisations with an interest in planning matters. This has become an influential organisation with recognition at Scottish Government level.
The Community Council also plays a significant role in the organisation of the Remembrance Sunday parade and the Advent Fayre.