As we approach a time of traditional fun activities for children, including Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night, we must still be mindful of the guidelines to keep us safe and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

I’m grateful that we are seeing a reduction of cases in our area, and urge you all to continue doing your bit to help by following the strict guidance set out by Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government. I recognise that these restrictions are tough, but if we manage to suppress the virus we are helping bring some normality back to our communities.

It will be a break with tradition not to go out “trick or treating” and I hope families can arrange something special at home this year to mark Hallowe’en for our younger residents.

One of our most popular events, the annual firework display, is unfortunately cancelled this year, so I would like to remind families who are considering having fireworks at home to please consider the impact on people and animals.

It is often children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks and the noise and lights can also be overwhelming for people with a sensory impairment.

It would be remiss of me not to mention our dedicated workforce who have continued to provide help and support during this pandemic.

Most of the council’s services are up and running again, and it’s great to hear of people benefitting from this. It always pleases me to hear of our staff, who, despite their own challenges, report for duty in the knowledge that our residents, old and young need their help and support.

I am delighted to announce the annual Provost’s Civic Awards nominations will open next month, providing the opportunity to recognise the heroes in our community.

Although it won’t be possible to hold the usual event at Clydebank Town Hall, we can still mark the many dedicated residents who go that extra mile for the people of West Dunbartonshire and each of our winners will be presented with a trophy.

We all know local heroes and I would urge you to nominate them when information is published on the council’s website and social media pages at the beginning of November.

Finally, as many of us will be starting to think about Christmas shopping, I would ask you to think local first. We have just launched our Shop Local campaign which highlights the many local traders we have on our doorstep and the personal service you only get from shopping local.

Whatever you do in the coming months, please keep safe, follow the guidelines and work together to help our communities.