THIS week's Councillor Column is written by Cllr Iain Shonny Paterson (SNP, Lomond North).

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GOOD housing is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of our communities, and the Scottish Government’s commitment and drive, along with councils and housing associations, to provide a first class housing system is to be applauded.

Good quality housing gives people stability which in turn helps grow the local economy.

It is important that housing investment is prioritised in our communities, especially our rural and island communities. This will also help businesses to recruit and retain employees.

An up to date strategic housing development plan will be approved at the end of 2021, which will set out planned and potential proposals for new build projects across the authority area. The current programme identifies opportunities for more than 900 new builds.

READ MORE: Five-year plan for 200 affordable new homes in Helensburgh and Lomond revealed

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I RECENTLY organised a meeting with constituents, residents, housing officers and police regarding issues that they are experiencing with anti-social behaviour.

I have been dealing with this issue for some time now, and I decided it was time to get the parties who were being severely affected by these problems to meet with officers and a fellow councillor to hear the issues first hand with a face to face meeting.

I think it is important for people to give a first hand account of what they have to endure and the impact it has on them and their families when they are subjected to anti social behaviour. The residents also appreciated having the meeting as they saw the officers’ determination to address the problem, and commended the police inspector for the way in which he and his officers were dealing with the problem. I will continue to support the residents in their drive to get a resolution to their problems.

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I WAS asked by Helensburgh and District Access Trust to attend the opening of Robert’s Bridge which has been constructed on the Three Lochs Way across the Tighness Burn near Arrochar.

The bridge is a great development for that section of the route, and was designed by Dr Geoff Freedman of Rural Bridges and was constructed by Robert McKendry, who it was named after.

Children from Arrochar Primary School were the first to cross - and test – the bridge, which I am glad to say was successful.

READ MORE: New bridge near Arrochar shows the way for trail walkers

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THE Three Villages Hall in my home village of Arrochar is looking for volunteers. It is a vibrant essential hub for our community, but the impact of Covid-19 has resulted in the redundancies of the two full-time staff.

With the help of dedicated local volunteers there are signs of recovery, but it is in need of further assistance, so if anyone can volunteer to help please email admin@threevillages.org.uk.