LOCAL volunteers have banded together in the hope of bringing an Alloa park back to its best.

The newly-formed Wimpy Park Community Action Group has plans to redevelop a once popular area in the Mar Policies – in a bid to bring people together again.

While in the very early stages, the committee of 12 have been busy mulling over options for the space known as Wimpy Park.

After the formation of a constitution, the group will be able to formally discuss leasing options with land owner Clackmannanshire Council.

Mark Mitchell, who founded the group with fellow Alloa man Fin Robertson, used to frequent the grounds as a youngster and would like to see it at the heart of the community once more.

He said: "When I was growing up, when I was young – I used to stay in Hawkhill – we were never out there.

"That was the place to be; my mum would come looking for me, she knew where to find me.

"You would go across with a football in the morning and you would start kicking a ball yourself and before you knew it you were playing 10-a-side because everybody knew – we'll go to the park and somebody will be there.

"Now, you go across and there's not a soul in it and it's sad, it's sad to see."

Wimpy Park Community Action Group was established in December and was created as an off-shoot from the Bowmar Action Group.

It is being driven by the desire to provide a space for children to play and families to get together.

Mark said he would like to see people getting out, being active, moving and mixing again.

In the short-term, the group will seek to spruce-up the park and ensure the community can use it once again.

On a larger scale, there are hopes for new playground equipment, a space for growing produce, a fruit barra and more; for it to be a place for local organisations to use, to support families and help with mental health.

Dates have been pencilled in the diary for a park clean-up on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23 where Clacks people can help tidy up the area and show their support.

Mark said: "We're actually looking at holding a consultation day on the May day. 

"We're thinking about having a fun day for the kids, barbecues, face-painting, bouncy castles, various games for kids."

For now, the group is keen to see support from local residents in the form of helping with events and becoming a member.

It would also welcome any help in the form of donations of garden and play equipment and more.

Mark said: “[We need the community] to show support, to come and help us. 

"I mean we are having clean-ups, when we're having any kind of days come and back us. 

"Give us your support, get the feet coming through that park and show us that we are all in the right direction and become a member, become a member of your own park – let's own it together."

Forth Plant & Sons is the first local business to back the campaign, with managing director Grant Sleith showing support for group.

Alloa Community Council has also wished it well, while the local authority has shown willingness to discuss options.

Housing and environment spokesperson at Clackmannanshire Council, councillor Tina Murphy, said: “The council is keen to explore with the WPCG group how this land can be used to increase its benefit to the local community. 

“The WPCG will, where possible, be offered advice and assistance to develop its vision for the land. That may or may not eventually result in a lease of the ground to the WPCG.”

For more on the Wimpy Park Community Action Group and to follow the project visit the Facebook page.