This being my first column of the year, I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy new year and hope all were able to refresh and enjoy time off with family.

I take a moment to think about the loved ones lost in the past year.

Since May 2022, I have been privileged that I have been able to represent the Dumbarton Ward and assist a number of constituents with positive outcomes.

I will continue to be your voice and raise your matters on your behalf.

Protecting our family and loved ones is always a priority for us all. On November 15, 2022, a coroner in Rochdale concluded that the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak was a result of prolonged exposure to mould.

As a father of two young children, I found that news particularly difficult to hear, and that is why I am committed to ensuring that these issues are dealt with in the most effective manner in our area.

At the council meeting on December 21, 2022, I raised a motion to prioritise repairs related to dampness and mould.

As a result, the council will review its approach to dampness and to how best prioritise associated repairs and introduce a process to ensure all dampness/mould repairs are given a quality control check by a senior member of the team to ensure the repair has been resolved before the case is closed.

The motion was unanimously passed, and I am happy that a review of the processes is already in place for dealing with a property with dampness or mould is underway. Since the motion was passed, we have heard from tenants with mould and damp issues and I would encourage anyone who has concerns about this issue to contact the council and report it.

I want to reassure our tenants that the council is aware of the issues related to dampness and mould, therefore prioritising repairs accordingly.

If there are any issues which are not being dealt with, please contact the council or your ward councillor or myself at Gurpreet.Johal@west-dunbarton.gov.uk (or on 07721 302 855).

I hold constituency surgeries every second Monday at the Meadow Centre, Concord Centre and Brucehill Activity Centre from 5.30-7pm and every fourth Monday at Bowling Town Centre, St Patrick’s Primary School and St Michael’s Primary School from 5-7pm.

I am also working with officers to cut back on the number of voids we have in West Dunbartonshire in order to have more social housing available as there is a backlog in housing applications and lack of housing.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.