I was delighted to speak to my constituents at my latest surgery in Kilberry. Unfortunately many of the problems that where discussed at my previous surgery there still need to be rectified.

Local residents are being forced to take matters into their own hands when it comes to dealing with tree branches of all sizes landing on roads, rather than wait prolonged periods of time for our roads department to deal with the tree branches. Our front line roads men work hard but as ever they are restrained by the resources they are given.

South Knapdale is one of many areas in the Kintyre and Islands ward and across Argyll that suffers from large areas of signal black spots for mobile phone usage. Alongside mobile signal problems internet speed remains sluggish and archaic. With so many small to medium size businesses depending more and more on income generated through online customers this situation must change. Lack of fit for purpose digital infrastructure is putting our many rural businesses at an unfair disadvantage to those living in urban areas.

Local road conditions are also leaving allot to be desired. There are concerns about the rough and pothole covered road surfaces, areas of flooding and signs which are dust covered, faded and worn. With the road surface being particularly bad at Dunmore.

In South Knapdale and across the Kintyre and Islands ward I will continue to visit and speak to my constituents and fight for their concerns all year round.

Cllr Alastair Redman