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

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WE have a great deal to be thankful for, living in our area at the present time.

We have comparatively low instances of Covid and we are greatly supported by our local food retailers. We have rallied round and supported each other, and let us hope that the spirit of kindness and co-operation continues throughout the year. Well done to everyone.

In the community council we continue to function, thanks to Zoom, for our monthly meetings and our webinar programme set up by Tariq Durrani is in place for the next six months or so.

READ MORE: Helensburgh Community Council schedules 2021 series of webinars

Anyone is welcome to join us by emailing Tariq (tsdurrani@gmail.com). We have developed quite a library of webinars on a variety of topics from last year and we will place these on our website for reference.

Our intention is to use our website much more as a source of information to disseminate as much as we can to keep folk informed. Our current interests are set below. They are not in order of priority.

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The pier: Much discussion has taken place on the subject without much success. We are now taking a long hard look at what can be done. This is a historic structure which needs a role in the future of the town. We are preparing a paper on the subject which will provide the basis for future action.

READ MORE: Saving Helensburgh pier branded a 'hopeless cause' as restoration group disbands

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The skate park: The community council will be briefed on the current situation of the skate park at our January meeting, and an information summary will be placed on our website. The skate park is a popular youth amenity and has considerable public support.

READ MORE: 'Disappointment' over Helensburgh skatepark removal during waterfront works

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Cycleways: The part of the Dumbarton-Helensburgh cycleway of direct interest to us as a community council, is at the end of the projected route from Hermitage Academy into the centre of the town. We shall return to the subject for discussion with Argyll and Bute Council very shortly and report progress.

READ MORE: Petition calls for 'no further delays' to Helensburgh-Dumbarton cycle path

Our longstanding commitments to maintaining the shrub beds in Colquhoun Square and monthly beach cleans will continue in the spring and we look forward to welcoming back all our volunteers.

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