We’ve certainly been blessed with some fantastic weather in recent weeks and I hope all our residents have had a chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

At this time of year the council is in a period of recess, which usually means it’s time to recharge the batteries and start our preparations for another busy year ahead.

However, that doesn’t mean the hard work stops. In fact, there has been plenty happening over the last few weeks.

I was delighted to visit the second site to get under way as part of East Renfrewshire Council’s ambitious plans to develop 240 new homes for social rent over the next five years.

The project at Fenwick Drive, in Barrhead, will provide the area with a total of four three-bedroom terrace houses and six one-bedroom cottage flats.

These new properties will offer our residents more options and also deliver improved housing for the area.

With work expected to be completed in early 2019, it’s not too long before we’ll get to see these fantastic new properties.

I’m also delighted that two new public tennis courts in Rouken Glen Park have now been opened.

Just as we’ve all been swept up by Wimbledon fever, these courts will be a valuable addition to the park and I’m sure will be welcomed by our residents.

The courts in Cowan Park are already popular and, by adding another two first-class courts to the area, we are increasing the opportunities for people to hone their tennis skills.

Also confirmed recently was the recognition received by the Neilston and Uplawmoor Community First Responders group, which has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).

The group of 25 volunteers have been rewarded for their dedicated work to respond to emergency calls from the Scottish Ambulance Service, often serving as the first link in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance arrives.

Being awarded a QAVS is the highest possible accolade for volunteer groups and is equivalent to an MBE, so a huge congratulations goes to everyone involved. It is well deserved.

The time has also come for nominations to be put forward for next year’s QAVS, so if you know of any deserving local groups who perform fantastic work in the community, then make sure they get the recognition they deserve by nominating them now at qavs.direct.gov.uk.

Finally, the annual Festival of Colour event returns to Rouken Glen Park for its fifth year on Saturday, July 28. If you’ve never been before, it really is worth heading along to.

There will be plenty on offer for all ages to enjoy.

The event is a multicultural celebration of diversity and is a real reflection of all that is great about East Renfrewshire.