In her latest Post column, Clydebank's SNP Councillor Sophie Traynor shares her thoughts on her first few months representing the area...


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As 2022 approaches its end, I find myself reflecting on the seven months since my election.

It has been an honour to represent the people of Clydebank Central in this time.

In that time I have helped open the new Clydebank Housing Association development in Linnvale, held three surgeries a month across ward five and I have brought forward two motions to council: one celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Clydebank Asbestos Group and the other calling on West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) to help fill the funding gap that the Big Disability Group were facing.

There has been plenty of local events from Clydebank Musical Society’s show to community gathering events held by Moments of Freedom. I have also attended a number of visits to local organisations to learn more about the wonderful ways these groups are helping residents across Clydebank and beyond.

More recently, I have been enjoying the Christmas spirit by attending Christmas fairs, Dalmuir Barclay Church Community Carol Service, Churches Together Carol Service, Y-Sort-It’s Family Christmas Party and FireCloud’s annual nativity.

It has been fantastic to join residents at all these events and see the local community coming together to celebrate after a few tough years.

This is not only a time to reflect but also a time to look toward the future. It is a time to look forward to the progress being made within Clydebank and about the decisions being made to shape the future of ward five.

Whilst I approach the savings options being presented to WDC with a level of realism given the financial situation, I still find many of the proposals unacceptable.

One such option is the proposed closure of the out-of-school care services at both Linnvale and St Eunan’s primaries. As ward councillor, I am extremely disappointed to see this as a proposed budget cut option. I understand the significant impact that this will have on the families and young people.

The Labour administration blame the Scottish Government for the budget cuts but in essence the council budget is dictated to by Westminster. These savings options come on the back of 12 years of Westminster austerity from Conservative governments.

The Barnett consequential of this flow through the Scottish Government’s fixed term budget and make it impossible for the SNP government to significantly increase local government spending without taking funding from other vital areas.

Considering this, I would like to state my continued promise to work hard to support the local community and continue to fight for the important issues effecting the residents of Clydebank Central and beyond.