The partners involved in the bid to win a share of government funding to revitalise Alloa town centre are delighted that their application has been successful.

The Clackmannanshire Alliance submission, led by the Council and involving all the public sector agencies, Clackmannanshire Business and Alloa Town Centre BID, has been granted £2m - one of the largest grants from a fund of £40m being shared by 48 town centres.

The funding will be used to revitalise the town centre stimulating economic, educational and social regeneration based on the area's rich heritage. A large part of the funding will be used to enhance the paving and streetscapes including new public artworks and shop front enhancements to give Alloa a unique selling point and cohesive visual theme. The project will bring together traditional town centre planning with cultural planning, using art as a regeneration tool to lift Clackmannanshire out of the ordinary.

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Council leader Janet Cadenhead, chair of Clackmannanshire Alliance, said: "This £2m cash boost means there are hugely exciting times ahead for Alloa town centre. These improvements will help Alloa to stand out, making it a more vibrant and attractive place to shop and do business.

"This will attract quality retail business to the town centre as well as increasing job opportunities. I'm also delighted that Clackmannanshire appears to be punching above our weight again, having gained 5% of national funding with 2% of the national population."

Alloa businessman David Westland added: "Competition was tough with 133 towns applying for £40m and it is great to have won 5% of the cash available at this time. I am sure this massive financial injection will quickly advance Alloa Town Centre as being a great place to shop, visit and do business."

(GK/JM)