Spring has sprung – but, with the recent freezing conditions, you could be forgiven for checking this twice.

If you still don’t believe me, then keep an eye out for all the daffodils and crocuses that are now flowering across Renfrewshire.

It’s a time I love as it shows off the fantastic natural environment this area has to offer.

There’s Castle Semple, the Gleniffer Braes, our public parks, to name just a few. Even just walking around towns or villages, we are so fortunate to have such great green spaces and scenery.

As a dog owner, I spend much of my time outdoors and I appreciate how disappointing it is when you come across litter, dog fouling and other waste blighting our communities.

That’s why the council has set aside funds for more street cleaning and for our rapid response teams to respond across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages.

Our recent budget committed a further £2.5million over the next five years to build on this but money can only go so far and we are encouraging all residents and dog owners to act responsibly.

I’ve been impressed with the success so far of Renfrewshire’s Team Up to Clean Up campaign, which has seen more than 50 community clean-ups take place.

Well done to everyone who has rolled up their sleeves.

And for anyone else who is keen to make a difference, Renfrewshire’s Big Spring Clean is on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22.

The Team Up to Clean Up team will provide litter-pickers, bags and tabards.

So, if you can, get involved by emailing wardens.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Digital FUTURE

From using your mobile phone to paying your council tax or booking a restaurant via your tablet, technology has changed our daily lives.

Embracing the digital world will be key to Renfrewshire’s future economic success and it’s one of our big priorities.

Free public wifi is already being installed in Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone town centres and now we’ve committed £2million to provide an ultrafast fibre network.

In technical terms, that means unlimited bandwidth and Gigabit speed connectivity. In other words, that’s faster, more reliable internet access.

We’re also applying for more funds from the UK Government and will benefit from Scottish Government funding as part of its commitment to provide every home in Scotland with access to superfast broadband by 2021.

Food FOR THOUGHT

If it’s not already in your diary, then make sure you circle Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, as the Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns.

It promises to be bigger than ever, with a fantastic selection of street food vendors, workshops, live music and Scotland’s largest real ale festival.

Add in a Masterchef winner and you’ve all the ingredients for a fun-filled weekend.