The council is one of seven local authorities across Scotland testing an updated version of the Place Standard Tool. The framework is used to understand what it’s like to live in a particular area and give residents a stronger voice.

For the first time, the tool will include a focus on community safety.

The pilot will take place in a residential area on the east side of Buckie where concerns about anti-social behaviour have previously been reported.

The updated tool will be used to guide conversations with the community to better understand what is happening, what they feel needs to change and how services can respond.

These conversations will be led by a temporary staff member, who will be appointed to help co-ordinate the project. They’ll work closely with residents, partners and council teams to support engagement and ensure residents are at the heart of the process.

Chair of Moray Council’s Housing and Community Safety Committee, councillor Amber Dunbar, said: “Although this is a pilot, it will help give residents a stronger voice and, as a result, create the foundations for long-term solutions that address ongoing safety concerns.

“By involving residents directly, we hope this pilot will allow more voices to be heard, helping create meaningful change.”