He said: "The aim of the Banff and Buchan
community council project grant is to support and empower
community councils to raise funds for schemes, projects and other purposes within their stated objectives.
Councillor Chris Kane, convenor of the community planning and regeneration committee, said:"
Community councils act as a voice for their area, articulating the views and concerns of their residents on a wide range of issues of public concern, such as planning, consultations and budgets.
A LEISURE centre run by volunteers has been given a PS5,000 boost by a
community council.
Many
community councils say they feel their views are ignored by the Vale of Glamorgan council.
The pattern is similar elsewhere, with 20 vacancies in Bridgend county borough's
community councils, 17 in Rhondda Cynon Taf and 10 in Blaenau Gwent.
"Although too much power has already been moved from
community councils to county councils, the opinion of town and
community councils has to be taken seriously.
* Failure to inform residents about planning applications and town-wide developments, as well as scrutiny panel recommendations likely to affect
community councils, ward and area structures;
Some
community councils could not be formed in the initial election in October last year because of limited applicants, with many long-standing members stepping down and no "new blood" coming forward.
If assets are not taken on by town and
community councils or individuals, then they could be lost.
While county councils are responsible for major policy areas like education, social services and rubbish collection,
community councils tend to look after micro-services like playing fields, community halls and bus shelters.
"Although too much power has already been moved from
community councils to county councils, the opinion of town and
community councils has to be taken seriously - they see the shattering consequences of the current system on a day-to-day basis in their own communities."
Community councils are run by volunteers, mainly residents, who give up a lot of time.