I KNOW we are living in strange times, with our community and almost all of our country back in a full lockdown again, but let’s make the most of what we can do instead of mourning the freedom we have lost by being locked down again.

I am in the process of working with community partners to organise a bright and interesting window competition.

I feel we all need something to brighten up our January, as January is dark enough without the extra worry of lockdown due to the rising number of coronavirus cases.

My idea is that people use window chalks to draw something bright and cheery on their window, so that when we are out having walks to keep ourselves fit, we can glance towards the windows of nearby homes and see something that might brighten our day. Please keep an eye on my Facebook page for updates.

Meanwhile, as the pandemic continues to radically affect our lives, some aspects of regular life as a councillor continue. And the start of a new year means that, once again, the setting of the council’s budget is about to be upon us.

There is, apparently, a £113 million shortfall this year. This is appalling and I think that Glasgow City Council should be asking the Scottish Government for more money. Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest local authority and the one with the most detrimental outcomes to people’s health and lives.

As an independent councillor I am not tied to vote with any party and will be looking at the budget closely and voting on the outcomes that will be best for this ward. Only other independent councillors can say the same. All other councillors are whipped to vote with their parties regardless of how it affects their wards.

If you, or anyone you know, has a health condition or is over 65, and who therefore shouldn’t be going out to shops or picking up their own prescriptions, and may be lonely or isolated, there is help at hand.

Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland has “kindness volunteers” who will pick up shopping or medication for you and can phone you every so often to give you someone to talk to. Please phone 0808 801 0899 or visit chss.org.uk/coronavirus and their team will be happy to help.

Can I also ask that we help each other this year during the worst winter weather? The first cold snap of the year may be over, but winter has some way to go yet.

There are grit bins located all around the ward which able-bodied people can use to make pavements safe for themselves and others. The council has been doing all it can, including redeploying staff to gritting roads from other departments, but it is even more important this year to try and avoid visits to A&E – so when the next spell of freezing temperatures strikes, could people (who are able to) please grit the pavements? Thank you!