The threat of closure to Alexandria Job Centre is still on the table despite the backlash from residents fiercely opposed to this.

I have written to the UK minister and raised my concerns at COSLA leaders group. Unemployed people within our communities need every support they can get to help them find work.

This decision will have the greatest impact on those who are already being hit by welfare reforms. Our community deserves better and I will continue to fight this until any threat to close the centre is removed.

As a council, we’re committed to Building a Better West Dunbartonshire, and our regeneration programme will see 1,000 new socially rented homes delivered over the coming years.

As part of the regeneration of Bellsmyre, housing stock in Glenside is being demolished and that land, along with the land currently occupied by the former Aitkenbar Primary School, will be used for new housing developments which will enhance the work which has already taken place in the area.

It’s great to see more new play parks created across the area including at Christie Park in Alexandria, and work is starting at a long awaited new play area in Bonhill which I know will make a huge difference to the community there.

Also in Bonhill, I’m really pleased to see the former Ladyton Library being brought back in to use as a dance school, bringing new life to the building.

We’ve invested heavily in sports facilities across the area. Last year we opened a new 3G pitch at Argyll Park and are now developing plans to further enhance facilities in that area by creating three new tennis courts.

Plans are at an early stage and we are working with Sportscotland and the Lawn Tennis Association.

Last weekend a variety of fruit trees were planted in the community orchard by the Friends of Levengrove Park.

We gave the group £2,000 in the first round of community budgeting and they have transformed a space within the park which will be appreciated by both families and visitors.

Last week I met up with pupils to promote the new £500,000 20mph speed limits project which are set to be introduced in residential areas to improve road safety.

I hope you will join us in supporting this important initiative which will make the street of West Dunbartonshire safer for everyone.

Finally, I would like to reassure families who receive help and support from the Alexandria children and families team that there will be no loss of service when the team move to Clydebank.

The council has offices within Alexandria where families can continue to meet members of the team for help and support, and of course the team will also continue to visit families in the comfort of their own home.