The seemingly never ending saga of the referendum reached its climax in a vote that shook the country and the United Kingdom to the core.

Politically, the engagement and enthusiasm shown from the youngest to the oldest voter in Barrhead has been inspiring, and the immediate legacy left behind by the referendum is one of returning politics to a grass-roots level.

The people have been reminded that they have a voice, and those in power have been reminded that it is a powerful one.

However I doubt this is the last we will hear of it, and on the subject of recurring news stories, Barrhead Main Street is once again making headlines.

It is clear that the police and council are doing what they can to minimise the issues and clamp down on them when they arise.

However if what I hear is to be believed, this is an issue that stretches across a generation, and is not isolated to the last few weeks.

A concerted effort from every party with vested interest in the Main Street and its welfare must come together to push for a better outcome and an better environment. On a positive note, landlords appear to have listened to the will of the people in Barrhead and pulled the mat from under plans to open an amusement arcade.

Opposed both by members of the public and the town’s community council, the unit owners have obviously taken on-board the desires of the people who would have to live with the arcade on their doorstep, and took decisive action.

And decisive action is just what the Main Street needs. We will also have time to reflect in this week’s issue as we look back at both World War 1 and the tragic death of two Barrhead soldiers almost 40 years ago.

First we told of the incredible story recounted by a Barrhead care worker, who found priceless World War 1 memorabilia in her attic.

The incredible images give a detailed insight into life on the front lines during the great war, while revealing that the two men behind the articles had written home about spending their time fishing, while the truth couldn’t be closer to the polar opposite.

With both stories we will have the opportunity to reflect on the losses Barrhead has suffered throughout the years, not just in the world wars but in troubles both home and abroad since.