East Renfrewshire residents are being urged to take part in community council elections.

New members are needed to re-establish community councils in Crookfur, Greenfarm and Mearns Village; Netherlee and Stamperland; and Thornliebank.

Those who sign up will be consulted on important local issues such as planning and licensing.

Community councils provide a direct link between local residents and East Renfrewshire Council, the NHS, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and other public bodies.

Monthly meetings are held to offer residents the chance to discuss specific matters of interest, share their views and ensure their voices are heard.

Councillor Colm Merrick, East Renfrewshire’s community services and community safety convener, said: “Community councils are a structured and meaningful way of becoming involved in your local area and play a vital role in our communities and in local democracy as a whole.

“As a community council member, you can help ensure the observations and opinions you express, the views of your community and the people who live there are heard by your council.

“I would encourage anyone interested in local issues to consider joining their local community council and become involved in their area.”

If you are interested in either joining your local community council or nominating someone to join, visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/communitycouncils to download a nomination form.

Anyone who would like to stand for election must be a resident in the community council area, aged 16 or over and named on the electoral register. The proposer and seconder must also stay in the community council area, with self-nomination not permitted.

Nominations close on Wednesday, March 11.