This week's Councillor Column is written by Gary Mulvaney, Conservative councillor for Helensburgh Central and Argyll and Bute Council's depute leader.

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Helensburgh Waterfront: The re-tendering process continues on this project, with the council looking to award the contract and start construction work on the site from late April next year.

It is a real shame that both planning and tendering issues have delayed this project and that the facility will not now be open till May 2022.

This is a real flagship project for the council and everyone is keen to make sure we make it the best we can.

The only benefit of these delays is that officers can work up the proposals to spend the additional £85,000 awarded for improving pedestrian access to the wooden pier. This work was identified in a recent engineering report.

READ MORE: Finance fears over latest Helensburgh waterfront delay

The engineering inspection on the pier also highlighted the considerable costs in doing more extensive works, which were estimated to be in excess of £850,000.

Closed crossing: As many of you will be aware, the pedestrian crossing on the A814, on the road to Hermitage Academy, has been shut for months.

I have raised this issue with the appropriate council officers.

However, under EU procurement rules, the council needs to formally tender for these replacement lights, along with other similar work.

READ MORE: Parents' fury over faulty Helensburgh pedestrian crossing

This has taken longer than expected, but it is now hoped that a contractor can be appointed in the next six to eight weeks.

Town centre vandalism: Local councillors recently heard from concerned residents about the spate of graffiti and vandalism appearing in the town centre and in Hermitage Park.

I have contacted the local police inspector to raise these issues and I hope that we can see improvement soon.

READ MORE: Vandalism 'off the scale' in Helensburgh, say police

To be clear, it is not “young people” that are the problem, it is a few particular individuals that are acting in a criminal manner, and they need to caught and firmly dealt with.

Go Bo Jo: Our new PM may not be everyone’s cup of tea or indeed perfect (who is?), but at least he has got energy and enthusiasm for life in general and the country he represents.

A welcome initial announcement from Boris about Argyll and Bute’s rural growth deal too.

What a contrast to the Marxist twins of Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell who seem to despise the UK, and align themselves with every woke anti-British cause going.

READ MORE: Prime minister pledges growth deal cash for Argyll and Bute on Faslane visit

No real surprise, then, that their Labour Party would undermine the Union in a power grabbing deal with Nicola and the Nats.