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A range of savings and adjustments have been agreed by councillors last night in the first steps taken towards closing a £9.2m budget gap for 2026/27.The budget process is undertaken in two phases with a view to agreeing a balanced budget and assisting with future projected gaps.At a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council, members were told how the difference between the council’s income and cost of delivering services, compounded by […]

As winter weather begins to bite, MSP Jackie Baillie is urging residents to explore whether they qualify for help with household bills.Jackie met with utilities giant Scottish Gas and the British Gas Energy Trust recently, to learn more about the support available to residents who might be struggling with bills.Information is also available to help improve efficiency and reduce costs, as well as to help households manage the financial burden […]

West Dunbartonshire Libraries have created a new graphic novel as part of Our Freedom: Then and Now—a nationwide programme marking 80 years since the end of World War II.This year, West Dunbartonshire was one of only three public library services in Scotland selected to take part and receive funding for this UK-wide celebration.Working alongside West Dunbartonshire Arts & Heritage, the team invited comic author and community storyteller Paul Bristow to […]

Talented young pupils from throughout the area showcased their artistic skills recently, to take part in MSP Jackie Baillie’s Christmas card competition. The annual festive event attracted entries from primary seven pupils at 18 schools throughout Dumbarton, Alexandria, Helensburgh and Lomond. Jessica Killen, a pupil at Helensburgh’s St Joseph’s Primary, secured first place in the competition with her cheerful snowman design. Grace Murdoch of Lennox Primary, Bonhill, won second place, […]

Construction is now underway on a 22-unit sheltered housing development in the heart of Alexandria.The project, delivered in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), will provide modern, accessible homes for older residents.The development, located on Bank Street, will feature 22 one-bedroom sheltered and amenity flats, alongside a communal room and staff office. All of the units will be built to net zero standard. Work began on […]

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) is appealing for new blood donors across Scotland, as the proportion of people who actively donate has fallen from 3% to 2% of the population.   SNBTS is urging people to register and book a blood donation appointment now to help bolster blood stocks, which are essential for hospitals and patients during the winter period.   Debbie McNaughton, Associate Director of Donor and Transport Services […]

Dumbarton Football Club is delighted to announce Frank McKeown as the club’s new Manager.Frank, 39, impressed owner Mario Lapointe with a clear and ambitious vision for the club’s future. A strong, driven leader who communicates with honesty and clarity, Frank stood out for his commitment to ensuring that nothing is done by half measures.McKeown is joined in forming a new look management team by assistants Mark Docherty and Stephen Simmons.As a player, […]

The finalists for West Dunbartonshire’s Provost’s Civic Awards have been selected – with determined fundraisers, dedicated volunteers and impressive local leaders up for awards.Residents were encouraged to nominate local heroes deserving of recognition—and the reaction was fantastic.The public nominations recounted stories of kindness, resilience, and determination from people who have contributed significantly to improve the area and the lives of West Dunbartonshire residents.After much deliberation, six individuals/groups have been named […]

Ross Greer, the Scottish Green MSP for West Dunbartonshire has called for the upcoming Scottish budget to extend free bus travel to everyone under 30, describing it as a lifeline for young workers and families in the area.This would build on the groundbreaking free bus pass scheme already delivered by the Scottish Greens for those under 22. Over 250 million free journeys have been taken by young people since the […]

New litter picking stations are being installed along popular walking routes in West Dunbartonshire following requests from members of the community.The Council’s Greenspace department developed the Quick Pick stations after contact from local volunteer groups, Friends of Dumbarton Foreshore and Friends of Leven River Valley.Each Quick Pick Station contains litter pickers and reusable buckets for either residents or visitors to use. Members of the public can collect the equipment, carry […]