Don't Miss Out On National Park Vote

TIME is running out to make sure you can vote for new members of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park board. Five members of the authority, who were elected by residents in 2006, will come to the end of their term of office on 1 July this year. Residents are being reminded that they must be on the electoral register at 10 March 2010 if they want to vote in the postal ballot that will be held during June.

The election process will start on 5 May when Notice of Election will appear in local and national press. Candidates have to be over 21 and needn’t be resident in the park or in the ward in which they wish to stand. If more than one candidate stands in a ward, a postal ballot will be held, with papers being issued on 10 June 2010, to be returned by 4pm on 1 July.

Bob Jack, Chief Executive of Stirling Council and Returning Officer for the election explained why it is important to be registered to vote. He said, “This is a real opportunity for local people to have a direct say in how the park is managed, I would urge all residents to use their vote.”

Convener of the National Park Authority, Dr Mike Cantlay said “This is an important year for the National Park with new members on the National Park Board. Don’t miss this opportunity to exercise your democratic right and help shape the future of your National Park.”

The current Board membership is 23 and made up of the five elected community representatives, 8 people nominated by the Scottish Executive and 10 people nominated by the four local authorities – four from Stirling, three from Argyll and Bute, two from West Dunbartonshire and one from Perth and Kinross.

If you are not currently registered to vote or wish to change your details you should contact one of the following: SAA for the Stirling Council area, Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Valuation Joint Board for the West Dunbartonshire & Argyll & Bute Council areas, or emailing Tayside Valuation Joint Board's Perth Office by clicking here, if resident in the Perth & Kinross area.

Full details on the election and how to stand for election to the National Park Authority will be available from 5 May contacting 01786 442599 or 443297.

The current Board membership is 23 and made up of the five elected community representatives, 8 people nominated by the Scottish Executive and 10 people nominated by the four local authorities – four from Stirling, three from Argyll and Bute, two from West Dunbartonshire and one from Perth and Kinross.

If you wish your ballot paper to be sent to an address which is different from your registered address click here.

Further information about the National Park and a contact is available from the links below:

• Website: www.lochlomond-trossachs.org Email
• Website: www.stirling.gov.uk