HUNDREDS of residents took the opportunity to decide on the top community priorities of Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside at the weekend.

Nearly 400 people visited the Community Futures event at the Devonvale Hall on Saturday, January 14, to view the results of the recent community consultation and share their opinion on what should matter the most in the five-year Community Action Plan.

There was plenty of fun and entertainment too from Jim Thornton, Farquhar Wilson as well as Sandy and Kate Paterson.

Refreshments and home baking were also available alongside a load of information from various local groups with displays and stalls.

The event was organised by Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside Community Council's Tillicoultry Futures Steering Group, which was originally responsible for carrying out the community survey.

Community council secretary Ewart McAuslane said: “What an amazing turn out. After all the hard work by volunteers to carry out the survey and organise this event, we are absolutely delighted that so many people made the effort to come along – especially people we don't often see at community events.”

He wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed on the day, including all the stall holders, community council members and volunteers, the ladies from the SWRI and the guild for serving drinks and eats, the Co-op for donating shortbread, the musicians, Grace Millet for the tai chi exhibition and Allan Goldie - the 'Tillicoultry Juggler' – for his displays and balloon modelling.

Some of the most important issues at the event included exploring the potential for a community renewable energy scheme, restoring the heritage features of the area – especially the clock tower, developing more sports and youth facilities as well as making more of the Mill Glen and the Fir Park ski slope.

Improving the play parks, starting a community newsletter, carrying out a community clean up and litter pick and brightening up the High Street with flowers and signage were also on the top of the list.

The results, along with the survey and other consultations, will form the basis for the finalised Community Action Plan, due to be produced by the end of February.

Linda Coutts, head teacher at Tillicoultry Primary School, was at the event with some of her pupils.

She said :“All the pupils at Tillicoultry Primary have been involved in giving their views and ideas for the future of the community.

“We did the survey throughout the school and some of the older pupils have prepared a display of the results for this event. It is really encouraging that the young people have had this opportunity”.