Auchenblae representative Susie Brown suggested a meeting between community council representatives and Auchenblae Community Association, to ensure there was no duplication of effort.

"I have been approached by a couple of people asking who does what and who should they approach if they have an issue to raise," said Mrs Brown.

Hilda Kerr said that when community councils were set up, community associations were only seen as a link between the people and the community councils.

She said elected councillors shouldn't really be expected to attend community associations and only do so "out of the goodness of their heart."

John Stevenson, a member of the active Glenbervie Community Association took issue with this and said that if Glenbervie had no power to act on its own account, he would be asking the community council secretary to write a dozen letters a month on Glenbervie business.

No one from the Auchenblae Association came forward recently when there was a vacancy to represent Auchenblae on the community council.

Mr Stevenson said that a roads official told him that community associations would not be getting a list of work due to be done on the roads in the area and that only community councils would be supplied with such information. This has served to demotivate himself and his association colleagues.

Councillor George Carr commented: "Willie Munro (area manager) needs to get involved. He needs to set down the perameters."

Provost Bill Howatson added: "There must be some definition of the roles, there is no point in duplication. Mearns Community Council embraces a large area."

It was agreed that the council seek the views of Mr Munro, after which they will seek a meeting with Auchenblae Community Association.