Border Telegraph | News | 'Stand up for your town'

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Wednesday, 9th April, 2008 09:00

'Stand up for your town'

By Ally McGilvray

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“IF nobody stood up for Galashiels nothing would get done.”

Galashiels and Langlee Community Council chairman Bill White made the passionate statement as he sat proudly in the town’s Bank Street gardens and reflected on his time representing the community he loves over the past four years.

He revealed he volunteered to stand for election as a community councillor out of frustration that nothing was being done and in an effort to make a difference to the area.

However, as Galashiels continues to grow and with elections for the new community council already underway, the financial advisor has urged other local residents – young and old alike - to stand up and support their town.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph this week, Bill said: “I think it’s a great place.

“I have lived here all my married life and Galashiels means a great deal to me. I used to commute all over the country for work but I always loved getting back here.

“It doesn’t have the violence or no-go areas that some towns have and the people in general are very friendly.

“Galashiels has gone through some huge changes during the life of this community council and I think a town has to keep changing to keep up with things.

He added: “I was attracted to the role of community councillor out of frustration that nothing was being done and, instead of pontificating about things, I put myself forward for election.

“There are a few community councillors who are retired, others who are architects, one or two younger people have come on board recently, and I would like to see more people in their teens or early 20s - especially those who fancy a career in politics - taking an interest in their town.”

Whether it be debating the future of town centre shopping in Galashiels, helping youths set-up a skate-park following complaints there is nothing to do in the town, or putting pressure on Scottish Borders Council to clean up litter-strewn streets, community councillors – who meet once a month in the Burgh Chambers, Galashiels - have made their voices heard.

Bill, who thanked community councillors and the public for their support at this month’s meeting of the community council, said: “Some people say the community council doesn’t get anything done but if you took it away a lot of these things probably wouldn’t get done.”

And he added: “If Gala’s not doing well then the rest of the region will suffer. But hopefully when the railway comes it will make a huge difference to the whole of the Borders.”

Former Scottish Borders Council leader Drew Tulley, a regular in the public gallery at the meetings, said this community council had been the “best” he had seen and had dealt with some “complex issues”.

He said: “This is the voice of the town and I would call on the people of Galashiels to give their time to act on behalf of their community.”

The community council disbanded following its meeting last Wednesday night and nominations are now being accepted for the new community council this week.

Galashiels and Langlee District Community Council, which holds an election once every four years, is looking for 15 members. If 15 people or less come forward then the community council will be elected but if there are more than 15 then an election will follow.

Nomination forms for anyone interested are available at Scottish Borders Council’s offices in Paton Street, Dalgleish’s garage in Langlee and Purves garage at Wilderhaugh, all Galashiels, or email: w.white43@btinternet.com.

The deadline for nominations is April 18.

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