WORK is well underway on a project that aims to put an Alloa park at the heart of the community once again.

Volunteers have come together to clean-up the patch of land in the Mar Policies area – clearing away trees, cutting grass and removing fly-tipping.

Support for the landscaping has come from all corners: local businesses Forth Plant & Sons, Four Seasons and Greensparrow, along with Mary Fox of the council's youth services and Chris Binnie of the criminal justice service.

These activities mark the beginning of a long-term drive from Wimpy Park Community Action Group which hopes to fully redevelop the space.

Since forming in December as an off-shoot from the Bowmar Action Group, the local residents behind it have been busy mulling ideas over.

Over the last few weeks they have been pushing on with the campaign and membership has increased to around 60, a committee has been formed and a constitution is in place.

Plans are also afoot to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and they would like to sit down and discuss leasing options with Clackmannanshire Council, which owns Wimpy Park.

However, in the meantime the group would like to see more of the community get involved by joining in – they are keen to stress people can give as much, or as little, time as they want and there are no financial costs.

Mark Mitchell, who founded the group along with fellow Alloa man Fin Robertson, said: “If they have time to come to a meeting, come to a meeting.

“If you don't have time to come to a meeting, don't.

“If you've got time to come and help us is in the park come and help us, if you haven't, you haven't – it's simple.

“It's the same as us; we're all working, we've all got kids, we're all trying our best to just try and fit wee bits in – if you can't make it, don't worry.”

Fin said: “You want the community to get involved right from the very start, grass roots level so they're taking ownership of it and taking a bit of pride in it – they're looking after it basically.”

In the short-term, they are looking 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.

The council has already said it is keen to explore with the group how the park can be used to increase its benefit for the local area.

There are opportunities to get involved by becoming a member or lending a hand during any of the upcoming events.

Plans are also being outlined for a May day which will include a consultation to find out what the community would like to see the park become.

According to Mark, the main objective of the group is to get people mixing again and get them back outdoors.

He said: “I think the ultimate aim of the group is to get people together again – that's what I would say.

“Kids out playing together, mums and dads coming across with their kids to watch them playing, having a chit-chat, having a talk, getting them mixing again.”

To get involved or request a membership form (which Mark or Fin can deliver) please contact the Wimpy Park Community Action Group on Facebook or phone the Advertiser on 01259 214416 for more information.