COUNCILLOR Ellen Morton reiterates her support for the new leisure centre and pays tribute to the volunteers involved in getting Helensburgh ready for Christmas.

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THE planning application for Helensburgh’s new swimming pool was considered at a packed public hearing in Helensburgh on November 19.

It was decided to refer this to the planning, protective services and licensing committee meeting on December 19.

It’s a matter of public record that I very much support these proposals. I’m very clear that they can bring very significant benefits to Helensburgh and make it an even more attractive place to live, work and visit, so I’m understandably disappointed that it wasn’t possible to make a decision on the day.

However, I understand that there is going to be an updated flooding report which should be able to take into account the expected climate change update from the Scottish Government.

I hope that the new reports will give reassurance that the proposed flood defences will be fit for purpose for many years to come.

THE festive season is fast approaching and I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to everyone who helps to make the town such a wonderful place to be over the holidays.

There is so much going on in Helensburgh and it takes a tremendous amount of work to make it all happen.

At this time of year especially it’s even more challenging in the wintry conditions. It’s always a struggle to untangle the Christmas lights each year – imagine what it’s like trying to decorate a 10-foot tall tree outside in gale force winds and rain, never mind dealing with the wonderful lighting features that festoon the streets!

It really is great to see the town covered in colourful, twinkling Christmas lights – we must surely have one of the best displays in Scotland thanks to the hard work of local volunteers, not just at Christmas but all year round.

Everyone involved in Helensburgh’s Christmas festivities works incredibly hard and copes admirably with any setback that comes their way.

Take for example our local Round Table, who had to cancel their first fireworks event due to the bad weather.

Undaunted, they rallied together and made sure it went ahead the following night instead – that’s real community spirit, and I know everyone who went along had a great time.

All of you who give your time and effort to make this time of year so special – volunteers, charity groups, churches, schools and many more – really deserve a huge vote of thanks for all that you do to brighten up community life.