Level of youth violence is horrific

Given it's the council recess, I have taken advantage of having more time to get out and about the ward that I am one of the councillors for, that is the Johnstone South and Elderslie ward.

- BY RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL LABOUR GROUP LEADER IAIN MCMILLAN

I am very proud to represent the area I was born in and live in. Being the only Labour councillor in the ward means it can be very difficult covering the ward yourself.

Like most of the council wards in Renfrewshire, Johnstone South and Elderslie covers a large area.

The ward stretches from the outskirts of Johnstone towards Howwood to the edge of Ferguslie Parkin Paisley, so a large area to cover and keep your eye on.

A few years ago, you could work with the local tenants and residents association but in the main they are a thing of the past, with only two remaining in the ward in Cochrane Castle and Corseford.

I have, I believe, a good working relationship with both groups and regularly attend their meetings. I think the areas that have lost tenants associations are poorer without them.