As I write this column, I was hoping for good weather on Saturday for the Scottish Pipe Band Championships, which will offer free entertainment for all.

The great weather at the start of the summer lulled us into a false sense of expectation for a sun-filled few months but the reality is that July has been a bit of a washout.

However, that hasn’t stopped the range of free activities provided by the council and our partners.

We had the SHINE summer programme, providing meals and activities for families.

We have also had the free swim and gym sessions in our leisure centres and the programme of 13 free family fun days across the council area, which started on July 14 and will run until September 17.

There have also been a programme of activities in our libraries over the summer and more than 150 children and adults got involved in the Brick-Tastic event, which was a LEGO-building session in the Heritage Centre at Dumbarton Library.

West Dunbartonshire will also host part of the UCI World Cycling Championships on August 12 and 13.

There has been a lot going on over recent months and it hasn't always been positive. I’ve been involved in discussing the roadworks at Cardross Road, firstly with Scottish Gas Network and more recently with the council's roads officers, regarding much-needed resurfacing.

While the disruption was significant over three weekends, at long last this road has now been repaired and, hopefully, motorists will appreciate the new surface after the inconvenience of the closures.

I’ve also written to Scottish Water about progressing the water connection to Posties Park and it has taken this on board and is exploring options to get the works progressed.

It’s not an ideal situation, being held back on such an important development like Posties Park Sports Pavilion. There has been some progress with the Artizan Centre and a 'planning in principle' agreement was being progressed.

I’m also pleased to learn that an issue first raised at the Joint Consultative Forum, which I chair, will be coming forward to a future Corporate Services Committee for a decision.

I’ve not seen the final report to committee but the aim was to significantly increase apprenticeship pay in the council, which recognises that our apprentices should get a fair deal when it comes to pay, especially as many will have the responsibility of running a household and looking after children.

This will be a real help to all our apprentices working in the council and the leisure trust and will be a huge boost during the cost-of-living crisis.

I hope everyone manages to have a good break over the summer and takes advantage of all of the activities arranged by the council or other community or church groups.