Councillor Sophie Traynor - 'I will tackle anti-social behaviour'

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As the prospect of a general election looms, I have seen various Labour councillors talk about the people of West Dunbartonshire wanting change.

However, the people of West Dunbartonshire have already seen the impact of the “change” that comes with Labour being in power and are currently facing the realities of that.

Since taking over the council’s administration, Labour has imposed cuts on many vital services in the area.

These are cuts to services such as welfare rights, community learning and development, grass-cutting and the potential closure of several well-used community centres.

It is disappointing but unsurprising that Labour are unwilling to be accountable for their own actions that are causing a negative impact for residents.

Instead, they have decided to play the same old rhetoric of the blame game.

In my role as a councillor for Clydebank Central, I will continue to work hard for my residents and stand up on the issues that matter most to them going forward.

Over the last few weeks, I have attended a wide range of visits and meetings locally.

These have included a meeting with West Dunbartonshire Youth Council and attendance at the local community councils and tenants and residents associations that function across my ward.

This has provided me with a great opportunity to engage with residents and listen to what they feel are the important matters facing Clydebank at present.

One of the big issues raised with me is anti-social behaviour, which has been increasing within the town over the last few months.

I am aware that this is a significant concern for residents, especially as the summer holidays approach, and as such I have been taking a proactive approach in finding a long-term solution to this problem.

Recently, I held a round-table discussion involving a range of partners, including my SNP Waterfront councillors, Clyde Shopping Centre, Asda, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and representatives from the police.

This provided the chance for the various organisations to raise their concerns and own experiences of the impact this is having on their services and business.

It also allowed the chance for updates to be given on the ongoing work and future action that will be happening to resolve this.

I will be keeping a close eye on this matter as it progresses.

Constituents are reminded that, if they require my assistance now or in the future, please do not hesitate to attend one of my regular surgeries or get in touch either by phone or by email.