CLACKMANNANSHIRE COUNCIL have this week been accused of going back on their word to provide a purpose-built football park in Dollar.

The grounds to the south of Strathdevon Primary School had been earmarked for a new pitch and changing facilities as part of a small housing development near by.

Mactaggart and Mickel built 22 homes at Gowan Lea, just off Lovers Loan, after agreeing to provide a total of £300,000 for additional community services.

Local campaigners say the developers have stayed true to their word and furnished the local authority with the funds; however, they claim the council will only release £100,000.

They fear the revised plan will see a relaying of a pitch on the site but with no changing facilities to service it.

Kenny Mitchell, manager of Dollar Glen Football Club, has been campaigning for the new park and changing rooms since the mid-90s and is furious with the council's delay.

He said: "The plan originally included a cemetery, a football park, changing facilities and a car park. The developer has held up their end of the bargain, it's up to the council.

"The developer passed the funding onto the council but we will be getting a football park but without the changing facilities. We've all been scratching our heads because what good is that?

"Without these facilities we will never be able to progress and achieve the SFA Quality Mark we are looking for."

Mr Mitchell added: "We feel the council should deliver what they promised, without further delay. I understand they are struggling for cash but this is not their money.

"A lot of people in Dollar objected to the whole 22-home development in the first place but were swayed at the development of these community facilities.

"We still feel that if this pitch was developed as promised it would bring a lot of benefits for the whole of Clackmannanshire. This is a good chance for the council to show how serious they are about promoting health and well being.

"The town has been waiting for these facilities for 20 years and enough is enough."

Clackmannanshire Council said any plans to build changing facilities would require "careful consideration" but said they would be engaging with the community in the near future.

A spokesperson said: "Planning consent for the Lovers Loan site makes provision for a contribution towards community facilities including a sports pitch.

"The development of any new facilities needs careful consideration, requiring consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including the wider community and potential service users, to ensure that the final design is sustainable, affordable, integrated and fit for purpose within the context of a broad range of community services, needs and priorities.

"The council is involved in ongoing discussions with Dollar Community Council. The community council has commissioned a consultant to undertake a consultation on priorities for future community services and facilities, and we would hope that this will provide a robust and valuable community perspective.

"We look forward to seeing what priorities arise from that community engagement process, which the council will consider as part of the decision making process."