THIS week's Community Column is written by Norman Muir, convener of Helensburgh Community Council.

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Visit by Chairman of Argyll and Bute Economic Forum

The Community Council hosted an informal visit of Mr Nicholas Ferguson CBE on April 19 to give guidance on the economic development of the town.

His overall message was that Helensburgh was on the right track to a better economic future and encouraged sustained effort to maintain the momentum.

Colquhoun Square

The Community Council has arrived at an arrangement with Argyll & Bute Council to improve the ambience of the Square for the summer.

The benches are now clean and tidy. The bedding plant areas and the grass will continue to be maintained by ABC. The shrub and plant areas will be weeded by town volunteers and a small group of expert horticulturalists will advise on a re-plant of the beds.

The date for the weeding event is Wednesday, May 10 and we shall meet at the Square at 7pm. Please come along and bring rakes, etc. with you. A solution to the Square upkeep is under discussion.

Beach Clean

We are now at the final stage of the west esplanade beach clean and we would like to thank all the volunteers and particularly the children who took part. We cleared a conservative estimate of five tons of rubbish, notwithstanding the weight of the recovered timber.

Many thanks also to Argyll and Bute Council's amenity services staff in Helensburgh for their support.

Dog Fouling

The instance of dog fouling in the town Is beyond a joke. Dog owners are perfectly aware of the law in this matter and those who do not dispose of their dog’s waste appropriately, are guilty of a social crime.

The health risk to young children also cannot be over-stated. Don’t forget the effect of this anti-social act on visitors and tourists to the town.

Open Day for Town Youth

We are disappointed that the uptake for clubs and societies in the town to advertise their skills and interests in an open forum in the Victoria Halls for young people has so far only raised four responses.

We shall continue to promote this event so please add your organisation to the list by emailing convener@helensburghcommunitycouncil.co.uk