I’m grateful for this opportunity to speak directly to readers of The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald about what a councillor actually does.

All-but two of the 33 councillors elected in May represent political parties, but politics plays a relatively small part in what we do.

For me, the most important aspect of being a councillor will always be representing my constituents, the people of Saltcoats and Stevenston.

If you ask me to help with an issue or problem, you can rest assured I will do everything I possibly can to reach a positive conclusion for you.

What motivates me most is trying to improve local facilities and services.

Our towns are great places, our people amongst the best you could ever meet, but things aren’t perfect.

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Saltcoats and Stevenston have both lost infrastructure over recent years, including in relation to employment.

Obviously, tackling such issues requires input from other agencies in addition to North Ayrshire Council, but as an SNP councillor, I will continue to work with my parliamentary colleagues in the Scottish Government to maximise what we can do for our local communities.

In addition to working directly on behalf of constituents, I also serve on a number of council committees, including audit and scrutiny, planning, local development, the local review body, and the police, fire and rescue committee.

Again, these bodies allow me to input issues relevant to the people of Saltcoats and Stevenston, and also the wider community in North Ayrshire.

One issue I have played a part in for some time now, is working towards securing a community asset transfer of land in Ardeer, which would allow the brilliant TASS Football Club to further develop their work with our young footballers, boys, and girls, from the Three Towns and beyond.

I would also like to pay tribute to the contribution on this matter made by former Independent Councillor Ronnie McNicol.

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Of course, right now, virtually everyone is facing unprecedented pressures on our finances.

As a councillor, I will always do what I can for anyone who contacts me directly.

In general, though, any local residents who are struggling can find helpful advice on the North Ayrshire Council website, under ‘Cost Of Living Support’.

The site includes advice on energy bills, benefits, food banks and clothing essentials, health issues and well-being.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the unsung heroes of North Ayrshire Council, the hundreds of staff-members who work tirelessly, every day, to deliver the services we all need.

We sometimes take things for granted, like our bins being emptied or the social care provided for senior members of our family, but we would soon notice if those services weren’t there.

To every council worker, I would like to say, ‘Thank you’.