AN “exciting body of work” is being introduced by West Dunbartonshire Council to improve the quality of life of residents after Covid-19.

The local authority will soon re-open its libraries in Clydebank and Alexandria, and will also complete the integration of “one stop shops”, which provide a range of council services under one roof, with libraries.

An update was brought before members of the council’s corporate services committee last week.

Malcolm Bennie chief officer for citizen, culture and facilities, said: “Looking ahead there are a number of major priorities that we are focussing on and that will be completing the branch library refurbishments and re-opening Clydebank and Alexandria libraries after their major refurbishments.

“Apparently the staff are really impressed, and we are really looking forward to getting it open again.

“We will complete the integration of the one-stop shop and library services, deliver the expanded free school meal programme and the early year’s expansion.

“I think there is a really exciting body of work there that will improve the lives of the residents who live in West Dunbartonshire.

“As a management team we are looking forward to delivering them.”

Mr Bennie also highlighted some the achievements of the council including the digital transfer of library services, the appointment of more than 50 Covid-19 cleaners to keep schools clean and safe and the introduction of a new school menu.

West Dunbartonshire Council was also recognised by the Food for Life initiative with a bronze award..

Mr Bennie added: “We introduced a new school menu in line with nutritional information and received national accreditation with the bronze Food for Life award for the quality of the food we are serving at the moment in our primary schools and early learning centres.

“There were a number of challenges due to the pandemic, and these include the delay of the merger of the library and one stop shop team, and progress on capital projects.”