I was delighted to have my latest, well attended, surgery in the Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen in Port Charlotte today.

I heard from my constituents that the new paving and street-lighting is most welcome and a long overdue step in the correct direction when it comes to improving local infrastructure.

Concerns were raised about mould issues in ACHA and West Highland housing. I have been in contact with the housing associations directly on this matter and I have brought it to the Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and Islands Area Committee. As a social housing tenant myself I know all too well the challenges in getting any action from our housing associations. Tenants in my ward can be rest assured that I will keep pressing this matter relentlessly until it is resolved.

I have also heard from many property owners who feel, with some justification, that our strict planning regime is at times far too overzealous, particularly when it comes to not allowing PVC windows to be installed. In my role on our council's Protective Services and Licensing Committee I have been stressing the need to reform some of our more archaic and outdated planning regulations.

We as a council must not be a barrier to economic growth in Argyll and Bute. It is our duty to encourage business growth which in turn will help fight rural depopulation.

I'm happy to fight for my ward's hard working population year in and year out.

Cllr Alastair Redman