NOMINATIONS for elections to East Lothian’s community councils open on Monday.

Residents interested in joining the local groups have until September 16 to lodge nomination papers.

East Lothian is home to 20 community councils, from Musselburgh and Inveresk in the west to East Lammermuir, which covers villages including Stenton and Spott, in the east.

Councillor Jim Goodfellow, East Lothian Council’s spokesman for community wellbeing, was a member of North Berwick’s community council for more than a decade before becoming a councillor.

He said: “Serving as a community councillor is extremely rewarding and fulfilling and an excellent way for people to make a difference in their local area.

“Over many years, East Lothian’s 20 community councils have contributed a huge amount to their area, with a whole host of projects benefiting local people including the organisation of events such as firework displays, festivals, gala days and Christmas lights.

“Community councils have also given local towns and villages a strong voice, while delivering and contributing to a whole range of other projects which have helped others, for example improving the environment.

“Representing the views of residents, particularly in response to local development and planning matters, and working with other local organisations including membership of area partnerships, plays an important role in ensuring local towns and villages throughout East Lothian are great places in which to live and work.”

Community council elections were due to take place across East Lothian last year but were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Goodfellow encouraged as many people as possible to put themselves forward to become a community councillor.

Depending on the number of nominations received, elections will be held with the issuing of postal vote papers to residents living in the corresponding community council area – to be returned for counting by October 7.