Once again I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on a variety of Garnock Valley issues through the columns of the Herald, a newspaper close to my heart having been the merry Beith scribbler for some 15 years in times past.

As one of five elected members serving this scenic and friendly corner of North Ayrshire, I find myself busy every single day dealing with a wide range of important constituent issues.

What are the ‘bread and butter’ issues dealt with by elected members?

For example in the past two months – June and July 2023 – generally the quietest months due to holidays, I have dealt with the following: Trees, grounds and garden issues 12; dumping rubbish 4; planning matters 3; missed bin uplifts 10; assisting community groups 5; vandalism 3; roads/pavements 4; cemetery 1; building issues 4; flooding 2; housing matters 3; roadworks 4; anti-social issues 3; health and social care 3; and licensing 1.

Mind you, it does take time for NAC departments and other agencies to investigate and hopefully resolve matters and provide feedback, so patience is appreciated when highlighting concerns.

Case workloads for councillors can be variable. I can only reflect personally.

For example from May 6, 2022 (last time elected) to July 13, 2023, I’ve dealt with a total of 551 issues for constituents. Going back to May 5, 2017 to July 31 2023, my total case load during my entire time as a councillor is: 3,402.

By any standard you care to apply that is a busy and time-consuming workload.

Most issues can be resolved reasonably quickly whilst others - more complicated – take much longer to sort. For me the best bit about being a councillor is helping constituents with whatever issue they raise. And if that can be achieved in a quick, practical way, so much the better.

I believe it is really important to be an effective problem solver with a smile, especially for constituents who feel angry and let down by public services.

My watch-phrase is: Problems can always be sorted. Don’t despair! Let’s see what we can do.

Believe me, there are so many really dedicated people working for our council – from your busy bin-men right up to our chief executive.

It is a large and complex organisation. You will have experienced many of them in your local library, your street sweeper, in local halls, at housing offices or the call centre, community meetings or the chap who turns up at your home to fix a problem quietly and effectively. Mind you the council is certainly not perfect and errors do occur. That’s life!

However, most are doing a good job in challenging circumstances with staff cutbacks. Yet they still find kind encouraging words and practical actions; and a smile, especially for those folk who feel let down by public services.

As my grandfather used to say: we are all Jock Tamson’s bairns – we’re all the same - so let’s work together to solve problems and strive for community betterment; and do our wee bit to help others in North Ayrshire.

And remember this old adage by Jonathan Erdman which rings true to me: "Most of us walk a winding path. Such is God's world; such is God's truth. Accept this. There is no need to resign ourselves to despair. Relish this rich life! Find the grace and beauty around every crooked corner."

Put simply there really is so much to be thankful for, not least for me, the privileged bread and butter of serving as councillor in dear old Garnock Valley.