A NEW 10-year Leisure Strategy is to be developed for Clackmannanshire.

Its aim is to ensure that the future provision of services for local people is planned and developed on a long-term basis, as part of the Making Clackmannanshire Better programme.

A report to a meeting of Clackmannanshire Council on Thursday (23 October) heard the results of a review of leisure services which was carried out by an independent expert.

Council leader Gary Womersley said: “The development of a leisure strategy will allow the council to make strategic decisions to ensure that we continue to provide high quality and accessible leisure opportunities for the people of Clackmannanshire.

“As part of Making Clackmannanshire Better, it is important that we have expert advice to look take the information gained in the review of leisure to help guide this 10-year strategy. It will be interesting to see how the strategy develops and I look forward to seeing this in future reports to the council.” The review looked at current leisure provision provided by Alloa Leisure Bowl and assessed the potential capacity for leisure provision in general.

It also looked at the quantity and quality of provision, whether it is accessible and affordable and how it compares with provision in other areas of Scotland.

The review found that the facilities provides by the council are of a good standard, and that Clackmannanshire has proportionately more sport and leisure centres and halls for its size and population than do Falkirk and Stirling.

Pricing policies are also relatively low compared to other councils, and while many buildings are old, they are in reasonably good condition and reflect the council’s investment despite budget pressures.

Along with the recommendation on the development of a ten year strategy, the review also said that contract with Wasp Leisure for the Leisure Bowl should be extended for five years.