This week's Councillor Column is written by Gary Mulvaney – Conservative councillor for Helensburgh Central, depute leader of Argyll and Bute, and policy lead for capital regeneration.

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WATERFRONT: Five focus group and drop in sessions were held at the end of January with our design team meeting with representatives from Enable, Live Argyll, Helensburgh Swimming Club, the Chamber of Commerce and Helensburgh Community Council amongst others.

The feedback was very positive on the look and general layout of the facility; support for the moveable floor and for a café facility.

Things such as the flood defence works, parking provision and the building's entrance required a bit more consideration, and that is something our design team will pick up.

The second phase, and the more formal Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) process, has now commenced, and there will be three public events at the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh on March 26, April 30 and May 14, all of which will be advertised in advance.

In addition public presentations are on display at the pool, library and Victoria Halls with comments slips available.

The design and plans will of course be on the council website for comment too.

The aim is that by June, the council should be in a position to lodge its planning application.

I made clear in my election last year that securing the new pool was the top local priority for me and now as policy lead that it what I aim to do.

We’ve got a great design team, so let’s make the design tweaks; get the planning permission; tender, build it and get it open.

BUDGET: The budget was passed last month with unanimous approval by all councillors.

The package of measures developed by the Administration (in which the Conservatives are the largest group) included a big boost for our roads with nearly £15 million to be spent over the next two years, as well as a £1.5m increase in social care budgets.

With the SNP government having cut Argyll and Bute’s budget by £40m in the last eight years, there are still challenges to be faced.

TAXING TIMES: For all of those that work, their tax code letter will be dropping through the door in the next few days.

Although it is from HMRC it actually is good news – it tells you the tax free amount you get before you pay tax and this is set by the UK government.

The bad news will dawn at the end of April when a million more Scots will start to pay more tax thanks to the SNP government. The Nat Tax will bite then.