Even in the midst of the latest wave of Covid, local community groups have been finding new ways of making a difference to local people.

Amazingly, some new groups have managed to form during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, existing community councils and charities are keeping going by communicating with each other and the public by internet to avoid indoor meetings.

These kinds of groups can help bring people together to solve problems, figure out common goals and get the most from local resources.

Community councils give people even more power and influence over local matters, such as events and planning applications.

Councillors can help by attending these meetings to provide assistance and seek support and change where needed.

The Dumbarton West Community Action Group, who formed via Zoom meetings last winter during lockdowns, had huge success recently by arranging skips and volunteers to clear unwanted items from homes and gardens across Brucehill, Castlehill and Westcliff.

The skip teams toured the area in a week-long operation supported by the council’s Greenspace and Cleansing Departments.

It was a strong demonstration of community empowerment, and was appreciated not only by those who used the service, but by residents across the whole area, who spoke of a renewal of the social bond they remembered from long ago.

The Phoenix Centre in Castlehill is running all kinds of summer fun, including “Dads and Kids” sessions, fitness, beauty, pizza nights, community cafes, kids’ art sessions with local artists Clifftop Projects, and more.

They’re having a tea party to raise money for the Vale’s oncology centre at 2pm on August 22.

In June, local litter-pick group Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore’s big clean-up saw 50 locals clean the shore from Havoc all the way to Milton.

In July, new litter-pick group Friends of Leven River Valley held a joint clean-up with Loch Lomond Fisheries, protecting the Leven’s rich wildlife by removing river-bed litter.

Meanwhile the Friends of Havoc Meadows welcomed Glasgow Natural History Society experts to help record and protect the many rare species on the former council-tip site and home of the historic Wallace’s Cave.

I would like to thank all the volunteers across West Dunbartonshire for the work they do to make a difference for all who live and visit here, as well as the Greenspace team and other workers who support them.

In these challenging times you have never been more needed, and your efforts are so appreciated.