CLACKMANNANSHIRE Council has handed out grants of over £30,000 to local community groups from the Community Development Fund.

The £200,000-fund was established as part of the ‘Making Clackmannanshire Better’ initiative and aims to encourage communities to work with the council to improve the physical environment and community facilities.

Applications opened earlier this year and so far five local groups have been successful: - Alloa Allotments - £5,082 for new fencing - Hillfoots Rugby Club - £8,791 to upgrade the toilets - Cambus and District Bowling Club - £3,840 to improve the roof - Hawkhill Community Centre - £8,616 for new lighting - Alva Bowling Club - £7,560 to create disabled access and artificial bankings The fund is open to applications for capital expenditure on things such as permanent improvements, new buildings and refurbishments and the closing date is Wednesday 31 December.