HELENSBURGH Community Council (HCC) Election: We would like to thank all who voted in the recent election to select community representatives on the HCC.

Twenty-five per cent of those eligible to vote took part, a significant proportion of the community.

We shall do our utmost to live up to this judgement in the coming months.

Making a Difference: There may be a lingering suspicion of the role played by the HCC and whether we can make a difference in matters that affect the community.

The short answer is that we have to. In the past year we have undertaken a number of initiatives intended to change the status quo. Our present establishment of councillors represents a younger, more dynamic demographic and this trend will continue. We have also harnessed the skills and expertise of town inhabitants in the various activities we have undertaken, so the stage is set for better things to come.

Annual Review: At our January 2017 meeting we will conduct a review of our current activities and their future development. Our meetings are always held in public and for this particular meeting we would cordially invite all members of the community to attend and participate where appropriate.

The Clock Tower: We withdrew our notification of interest, due to a lack of support

The tower remains an icon in the town and, whatever unfolds in the sale process, the HCC will retain an active interest in the continued existence of this listed building.

Diary Notices: On Tuesday, December 13, we have arranged a presentation on the Community Empowerment Act, given by the Scottish Government Information Unit. It will be held at 2pm in the Victoria Halls.

In January, we have arranged a presentation on Non-Domestic Rates by the CEO of the Valuation Board for businesses in the town. Details to come.

Clubs and Societies: On the HCC website we list the contact details of all the clubs and societies in Helensburgh. We would ask those responsible to review contact details and send any amendments or changes to n.muir@btinternet.com.