The Community Empowerment Act was passed in 2015 and seeks to improve the process of community planning and ensure that local services providers work closely with communities to meet their needs.

Part 3 of the Act enables communities to request participation in decisions and processes.

Helensburgh Community Council has taken advantage of this legislation to request participation from Argyll and Bute Council in all aspects of roads infrastructure in the town to bring together the expectations of the Helensburgh community for well-maintained roads, pavements and all aspects of road infrastructure, signage, parking, etc., with the reality of finite Argyll and Bute Council resources.

A reply is awaited within the response time laid down in the Act.

Glasgow School of Art Exhibition: We are delighted that the School has agreed to display their talent in a wide-ranging art exhibition in the town. The School has a worldwide reputation and the exhibition will be something not to be missed.

It will run from July 20-23 in three locations - the Mackintosh Club, the Parish Halls and Colquhoun Square.

This will be the first time the school has exhibited in this fashion, "on the road", and we shall take every opportunity to cement this relationship for the future.

Further details will be issued, but already we are receiving offers of hospitality for the students from our retail community and we are certain that this generosity and welcome will be endorsed by the town.

Food Festival: We are having a great response from restaurants in the town for this event which will run from August 9-13 in conjunction with the summer festival which is taking place on August 12 and 13. Details will be forthcoming.

Colquhoun Square: We have had two sessions of weeding on the Square and a final session will happen shortly.

We would like to thank sincerely all those volunteers who have showed up at both sessions for their commitment and hard work.

The next step will be a planting programme to display the Square to its best advantage.

Beach Clean: A continuing saga. The next clean is on Saturday, June 24 – all are welcome.