THE Mill Glen in Tillicoultry looks set to reopen in August after being closed to walkers for more than five years.

The news has been welcomed by ward Councillor Archie Drummond, who has been vocal about his desire to see the beauty spot used once again.

The glen was initially closed to the public in 2011, after inspectors found a medium to high risk of rock fall along a small stretch of the path beside the disused quarry.

Over the years the programme of works has run into delays and further funding had been required in order to complete repairs.

In 2012, the then then administration set aside £75,000 to complete safety works, with an additional £50,000 awarded in 2013 and £300,000 in 2014.

Cllr Drummond said: "At last I am able to report back that my efforts on behalf of all of those people who have lobbied me since I was elected in 2012, to get Mill Glen reopened will come to fruition in August this year.

"As previously reported I was able to get the support of the SNP administration of the time to invest £300,000 for the works required to make the glen safer and to carry out repair works to bridges and pathways. 

"That was the officer estimate at the time and that money was set aside.

"I reported in September that the tender prices had exceeded the sum above and that the council decided to proceed with the rock stabilisation as the first phase, until resources could be found to complete the entire works. 

"This would allow partial opening of the glen in June this year.

"That work started in May and is nearing completion, but I can now add even more good news.

"Again with the political support of the SNP administration earlier this year, and good work by the officers involved, we have identified funding to allow around £150,000 to be spent to commence phase two immediately.

"That means that the glen will be entirely reinstated and reopened in August this year.

"Ideally, this will coincide with Tillicoultry Community Week but given the nature of the works and the weather dependence on some of it, that remains a hope and not a promise."

The elected member for Clackmannanshire North said that there will also be improvements to signage for all the Hillfoots glens.

According to the local authority, work began earlier this year and the hope is to reopen in a few months.

A spokesperson said: "Work to reopen Tillicoultry's Mill Glen commenced in April 2016, starting with works to stabilise the rock face. 

"The phase 2 works allow for repairs to the steps, paths and bridges to enable the glen to be fully reopened to the public. 

"The phase 2 works will commence in June with an expected completion date in August 2016."