INTRODUCTION

The Garthamlock, Craigend & Gartloch Community Council is a local voluntary organisation representing North-East Glasgow. As the most local tier of elected representation, we bring together a diverse community of local clubs, organisations, residents, and active individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact.

Our council serves as a strong forum, providing a platform for our members and local residents to engage in open discussions about matters that concern our respective communities. We believe in taking decisive action when necessary, ensuring that our neighbourhoods thrive.

Join us in our mission to create a vibrant and cohesive community. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Garthamlock, Craigend & Gartloch, enhancing the lives of all residents.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The Garthamlock, Craigend & Gartloch Community Council aims to ascertain, coordinate, and express the views of the wider community by way of;

• Advocacy and Petitioning: We act as a strong voice for our neighbourhoods, advocating and petitioning for cases that impact our communities’ well-being and interests.

• Effective Participation: We encourage active participation from residents, providing platforms for open discussions, planning applications, local consultations, and surveys. We value the opinions and input of community members in shaping our decisions and actions.

• Enhancing Community Well-being: We are dedicated to improving the quality of life in our communities, addressing a wide range of issues that affect residents’ well-being.

• Environmental Stewardship: We actively engage in initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, working towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for our neighbourhoods.

• Identity and Community Pride: We promote and nurture a strong sense of community identity and pride, supporting initiatives that highlight and celebrate the unique aspects of Garthamlock, Craigend & Gartloch.

• Responding to Local Issues: We actively encourage the participation of local elected members and representatives from Police Scotland to address local concerns regarding crime and community safety.

• Social Engagement: We strive to foster strong social connections within our community, organising and supporting events and activities that bring residents together, promoting a sense of belonging and togetherness.

• Supporting Local Projects: We offer support and guidance to local projects that contribute to the overall improvement of our area, working collaboratively with community members to bring their ideas and initiatives to fruition.

By pursuing these aims and objectives, the Garthamlock, Craigend & Gartloch Community Council actively works towards making our communities vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous places to live and thrive.

ROLE OF COMMUNITY COUNCILS

Community councils serve as the closest level of official representation in Scotland, established through the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Their primary objective is to foster a connection between local authorities, public entities, and the communities they serve. By doing so, community councils ensure that the opinions, needs, and preferences of the communities they represent are effectively communicated and taken into consideration.

As mandated by the 1973 Act, local authorities were required to implement community council schemes tailored to the specific circumstances of their respective areas, granting them a considerable degree of autonomy. Presently, Scotland boasts approximately 1,200 community councils, serving as influential advocates for local interests and facilitating a robust relationship between communities and governing bodies.