Work on Alloa's town centre neared completion as work on three of the four street affected was completed this week.

Shillinghill, Primrose Street and Drysdale Street have all had a major revamp since work began last September. Over the weekend new street furniture including stainless steel benches and bins arrived in the town, while `soft landscaping' with trees completes the look.

High Street's events space will be completed by May 7th. This Sunday (May 2) the three large figures designed by artist Rob Mulholland will be installed in the space. The 10ft tall figures will be craned into place around lunch time and will bring a spectacular finishing touch to the town. A fourth figure, designed after input from local volunteers, will be installed at Greenside Street, near the Kilncraigs building.

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Angela Leitch, Chief Executive of Clackmannanshire Council said: "Seeing the project near completion is very exciting. There has been a significant investment in the town centre over a very short space of time and during one of the worst winters in recent memory. We have completed the majority of the project just three weeks late, which is to be applauded. I'd like to thank the town centre traders for their patience throughout the work, I'm sure they can now appreciate that the work was worthwhile and they can see for themselves the tremendous difference the improvements have made to the town."

All of the construction vehicles and high-level working machinery that had been around the town has now gone. The next few weeks will be spent on any snagging issues or minor repairs. One shop in Primrose Street has still to get a sign fitted since the owner has been busy having a baby.

This Sunday High Street will be closed to allow for the installation of the Rob Mulholland figures, while later this May the bus station area at Shillinghill will have the final road surface and markings laid. The plan is to keep the street open to cars while that work goes on and to do the work on a Sunday.

Angela added: "The art pieces that are to be installed this weekend will be a dramatic statement for the town centre. Together with the other art works appearing in the town, they will demonstrate to the rest of Scotland how important we see the role of public art in regenerating a town centre."

(GK)