The £344,000 refurbishment of Alva's popular Cochrane Hall is complete.

The extensive refurbishment programme means the future of the Hall as a community facility is secured in the long-term for the people of the Hillfoots.

The refurbishment started in September with the building's exterior and included repairs which will prolong the Hall's lifespan and which have improved its appearance. A total of 17 windows have been replaced, meeting with Historic Scotland's requirements, and the entrance doors have been overhauled. Repairs have also been carried out to the roof.

Internally the improvements include the Hall being rewired and a performance standard lighting and sound system has been installed. Two large, wall-mounted televisions have also been put up and the accoustics have been improved. We have invested in a modern, efficient heating system has and new fire and security alarms have been fitted. A new office has been created, all the toilets have been upgraded, the kitchen has been upgraded and new toilets have been created in the Green Room. The floor of the main hall has been sanded, repaired and revarnished and linings for a badminton court have been applied. The Hall has been redecorated throughout. CCTV has also been installed.

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Depute Leader Councillor Bobby McGill said: "We carried out extensive consultation with the local community before carrying out these improvement works. We listened to the feedback and have carried out the work based on the comments we received.

"When we agreed the capital budget back in February, we set a realistic, affordable and achievable programme which aimed to deliver continued investment in Clackmannanshire's infrastructure, and it's fantastic to see one of the projects in that budget, come to fruition.

"The Cochrane Hall has many fine architectural details and this refurbishment ensures that these features can be admired in their full glory for many decades to come. This is a realistic, affordable and achievable capital programme which aims to deliver continued investment in Clackmannanshire's infrastructure."

The work was carried out by local company Marshall Construction following a competitive tendering process.

The Hall is well-used by the local community, and the first event in the newly refurbished hall will be a Hogmanay party.

Alva Community Council have given the refurbishment the thumbs up and representative Dorothy Harvey said: "This is a job well done. The colours and lighting are beautiful. The hall looks far more spacious now and I hope it will be well used."

(GK)