A community council that was almost forced into closure amid accusations of bullying and intimidation is bouncing back – and looking for new members.
Innes Community Council, which serves communities in the environs of Garmouth, Kingston and Lhanbryde, was forced to fold just before Christmas when five members quit amid accusations that they could not work with other members.
When the resignations were received at Moray Council the community council was wound up – however, it was quickly restored when it was realised an error had been made as they were required to be given three months to replenish their numbers.
Now with the help and assistance of Alastair Kennedy, chairman of the Joint Community Councils of Moray, Innes is once again back on track with seven members – and hoping to recruit three more.
Secretary of the community council, Anne Speke, said: “It is really encouraging the way it is going – Alistair has been very supportive. We still need to find three new members but on the whole the last couple of months have gone very smoothly.
“We went through a sticky patch but I think it will actually work better now because people are wanting it to succeed and that is the only way forward.”
Community Council member James Mackie added that two of the five who had resigned had now returned to the fold and the community council had now settled down to work together.
Mr Mackie added that the community council were now keen to recruit members representing the Lhanbryde, Mosstodloch and Pitgaveney communities.