Partners involved in the award-winning town centre regeneration project, Imagine Alloa, are to be congratulated by local councillors.

Funded by the Scottish Government and Clackmannanshire Alliance, Imagine Alloa won the Best Community & Neighbourhood Initiative category in the 2011 Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) National Service Awards.

Over £2m was invested in streetscape improvements and public art.

The physical improvements, which combined with the involvement of the community in the local arts projects, saw the numbers of people rating Alloa as a good place to visit rise by 7%.

Respondents' satisfaction with ease of getting around was up 12% to 90% and satisfaction with ease of access to the town centre had increased from 76% to 86%.

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The Council was also the runner up in the Best Regeneration Initiative category, with the Kilncraigs Office Redevelopment Project.

It is hoped this will lead to the refurbishment of the former Paton's Mill and school, bringing these category A listed buildings back into use as Council headquarters.

The detailed implications of such a scheme are to be considered further by the Council in the autumn.

Council Leader Sam Ovens said: "This really is fantastic news. Imagine Alloa was a big team effort and I'm delighted to congratulate just some of those who were involved, personally today. APSE is a rigorous competition, comparing public sector organisations from across the UK. Clackmannanshire was the only Scottish organisation shortlisted in the Community & Neighbourhood category, so I'm particularly delighted that we've come out on top. This prestigious award reflects the excellent results we can achieve through partnership working.

"Imagine Alloa continues to go from strength to strength, with new art-based businesses opening and ongoing plans for the development of the Speirs Centre."

(JG/CD)