I have been putting out Ruth's latest 'No to Indyref 2' leaflet across my council ward, checking up on any progress being made with road and drain repairs, talking to council officials about the challenges facing my ward and speaking directly to my constituents on the doorstep.
It was superb to once again meet up with locals in Whitehouse and across West Kintyre. As well as hearing about numerous problems with local road repairs I also listen to concerns about slow internet speed with some areas lagging behind others when it comes to getting access to super fast broadband.
I heard similar concerns when I attended the latest West Kintyre Community Council meeting. As ever I will looking into every issue brought to my attention by local residents across my council ward.
After traveling back to Islay I checked up on the state of road repairs across the Island. Some progress has been made in many areas like the Hospital Road in Bowmore and Mansefield Road in Port Ellen.
The potholes in Port Askaig that I had been telling our roads department about have been filled in. That said to give just two examples Shore Street Bowmore and roads across the Rinns on Islay are still in desperate need of attention.
After both calling and emailing around about the large and dangerous potholes at An Creagan Place in Port Charlotte I have been informed that the road in this area is not the responsibility of Argyll and Bute Council. It belongs to ACHA since obtaining this information I spoke in person to the very helpful and hard working staff at the Bowmore ACHA office and asked them to fill in these potholes. Once I receive more information I will be sure to update.
Aside from road concerns on Islay quite a number of my fellow Ileachs have mentioned lack of bed spaces in Islay's hospital. Being an Island community obviously means that transferring more and more patience to the mainland is hardly ideal.
The consensus from my constituents who I have been in contact with is that the small number of beds in Islay's hospital are not enough. I have contacted NHS Highland to voice my constituents anger about this situation.
I'm always keen to hear from constituents so if there are any issues whether they be local or national please don't hesitate to contact me.
Cllr Alastair Redman