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The wheels are in motion on exciting plans for a new cycle path linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton which will deliver a further boost to Argyll and Bute’s climate friendly credentials.   Argyll and Bute Council is asking members of the public to give their views on the proposed design for the new cycle and walking path to run between the towns.   As part of the Council’s consultation with the local community, a survey asking for views on the preferred design of the path has been launched online at /forms/cyclepath  

Members of Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Services have agreed to begin statutory proceedings to consider the possibility of widening the catchment area of St Joseph’s Primary School. The Council inherited the existing catchment boundary from Strathclyde Council in 1995. It covers most of the Helensburgh and Lomond area, with the exception of a corridor along the A82 from Glen Douglas to the boundary with West Dunbartonshire Council.

I began last year’s message saying it was a year like no other. We’ve had our ups and downs again this year, but I think we approach the festive season with more optimism. We’ve benefitted from the roll out of the covid vaccine and this Christmas we can look forward to spending time with more of our families. Nonetheless, we must be cautious as covid is still with us. We remember those people affected by this awful pandemic and those who have lost loved ones. My thoughts and wishes are with them as ever at this time of year.

  Paul Collins (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) has been elected as a councillor for the Lomond North ward of Argyll and Bute Council following a by-election on Thursday 16th December. Paul Collins was elected at stage 4 of the process, receiving 742 first preference votes. There were 1,842 valid ballot papers, 19 rejected ballot papers, giving a percentage turnout of 29.6%.

Secondary pupils in Argyll and Bute received praise for their latest attainment and achievement successes when the Council’s Community Services Committee presented members with a breakdown of their 2020/21 outcomes at today’s meeting. The results analysis for attainment shows that:

The timetable of engagement for the proposed Collective Leadership Model for our schools has been extended. Our community councils, parent councils, teachers, school staff and people of Argyll and Bute will now have until the 4 March 2022 to provide feedback on the proposal. This date has been extended by one month from the initial date of 4 February 2022. The Council are committed to giving everyone the time they need understand and have conversations around the proposed model, before providing their feedback.

Following Storm Barra, on 7 December, things have been moving quickly to make Ardbeg Road safe after damage to the sea wall. The following day, council engineers and operatives were on site carrying out an initial assessment, organising traffic management and clearing the road of debris. By 9 December our team, working with contractors, arranged to carry out emergency, temporary repairs after conducting drone surveys to understand the extent of the damage. By the weekend, the work undertaken included:

Eight schools in Argyll and Bute have received accreditation from the Council for their work in continuing to develop nurturing cultures and approaches across school communities. The nurture programme is part of a wider strategy by the council, ‘Our Children, Their Nurturing Education (OCTNE)’, that aims to ensure that children and young people have the emotional and psychological support they need.

The expected departure of new Lismore ferry, for Port Appin this week, has unfortunately been rescheduled. Recent poor weather conditions mean it would be safer to wait for a fair weather window. It will also give us the opportunity to make final adjustments on-site to ensure it meets highest quality standards that we need so that it delivers an effective service for our communities. Until then, the current ferry will remain in operation keeping the service between Lismore and Port Appin running as normal.

Regeneration work continues to turn Lochgilphead’s Front Green into an improved public space where more people can come together to enjoy community events and general recreation. The project has received a welcome boost with additional funding from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Scheme. Funding will enable upgrade of part of the footpath between the Front Green and the A83, Lochnell Street, using the same local stone as used in Colchester Square. Work to date includes: