Big changes are coming to Dumbarton High Street.

At the September meeting of the committee that oversees regeneration in West Dunbartonshire it was agreed that the council will buy the Artizan Shopping Centre, with a view to partially demolishing it and transforming the area it currently stands on.

Additionally, walking and cycling links from the railway station to the town centre are going to be improved. There will be £3.25 million of funding to renovate Glencairn House as well, with the plan still to make it into a library and museum/exhibition space.

All of this should improve the area for residents and make it more attractive to visitors, as well as bringing renewed investment to the area.

Town centres everywhere have faced huge challenges over the past decades – both from the rise of out-of-town and online retail, and recently, from the impact of the pandemic. It will be exciting to watch the progression of this new project to breathe new life into Dumbarton’s High Street.

Other good news to come out of the same committee meeting was a decision to take forward the Gruggies Burn flood prevention scheme. This £20m project will introduce defences from Glasgow Road to the Firth of Clyde, as well as the addition of a relief culvert that will minimise the risk of flash flooding during prolonged periods of rainfall.

There will now be a consultation on the project and site investigation work that will lead to a full design specification for the works. I will be asking that this work is done with full care towards the burn’s rich and varied wildlife.

In the Vale, a new masterplan to regenerate Alexandria has also been agreed that will outline the key priorities for the town over the next 15 years. Its aim is to make Alexandria once again the heart of the Vale by boosting investment in the area, improving housing and developing cycling and walking networks.

With its proximity to tourist destinations and various historic points of interest, Alexandria has a lot of potential. The masterplan includes improvements at Main Street, the Smollett Fountain, Mitchell Way, Alexandria Library, St Andrew’s Church, the Community Education Centre, Christie Park and Lomond Galleries.

Finally, I’m very happy to report unanimous agreement at the full council meeting last week that West Dunbartonshire Council will continue its programme to support the resettlement of refugees from Afghanistan.

I hope that everyone will welcome the families who have had to flee the most horrendous dangers and suffering, leaving their homes and communities to face unknown and uncertain futures.