JUST one community council in East Lothian will require an election next month.

The deadline for nominations for members to the county’s 20 community councils was September 16, and 19 did not receive more candidates than there were positions available, so all those putting their names forward will be automatically elected.

But 19 people have put their names forward to become members of North Berwick Community Council; with just 12 spaces, an election will now take place.

Standing to be part of the group are Bill Macnair, the current vice-chairman; Kathryn Smith, secretary; and Jake Scott, treasurer; as well as Malcolm Baker, Peter Hamilton, Gordon Moodie, Hilary Smith and Ian Watson, who are all community councillors.

Also standing are Janet Allport, Robert Bryson, Lauren Cowie, Lesley Kay, Hilary Kennell, Claire Mackenzie, David McGregor, Sue Northrop, Olwyn Owen, Tommy Todd and Eric Wales.

Current chairman David Kellock, former chairwomen Sheila Sinclair and Elma Danks, and Michael Ellis, the current group’s most recent member, are all not standing for re-election.

Mr Kellock said he only ever intended to serve on the community council for one term and was standing down “to allow new blood to come in and keep it fresh and active”, while Ms Sinclair, a member for eight years, had revealed she would not be seeking re-election when she stood down as chairwoman last year.

Mrs Danks, meanwhile, who is also chairwoman of North Berwick Day Centre and has been involved with the town’s In Bloom group, has been a member for almost 30 years. She told the Courier: “I decided that it was time to step down and hand over the running of North Berwick to someone a bit younger. I decided that age would be catching up with me by the end of the four years. They’ve all been telling me I’ll be bored, but there’s enough going on. I’m looking forward to a rest. It’s been hard work, but it has been good fun.”

Meanwhile Mr Ellis, who joined last year, said he was unable to devote the necessary time to the role.

An election takes place next Thursday (October 6), with all votes to be in by 5pm.

Three of the current members who are not re-seeking election – Mr Kellock, Mrs Danks and Ms Sinclair – are members of North Berwick Trust. The new trustees, normally six community councillors plus the chairperson, will be decided by the new North Berwick Community Council.