THE Muirside Residents’ Association has been officially disbanded, it has been confirmed.

A spokesperson from the Tullibody group told the Advertiser this week that they “no longer exist” as a community representative.

A lack of interest from local residents is said to have been the reason for the dissolution of the association.

George Matchett, Clackmannanshire councillor for Tullibody, said: “Having been involved with the association as an elected member since joining Clackmannanshire Council in 2003, I am bitterly disappointed to see such a worthwhile ‘community voice’ for the residents of the Muirside being disbanded.

“Looking back, the association has effectively represented the views and aspirations of their resident members and did not hold back in bringing my attention and those of other elected members, to difficulties and problems in their area.

“I found the membership and office-bearers during the lifespan of the association, to be articulate and well able to present their members’ concerns.

“Indeed, they have been instrumental on numerous occasions in influencing the decision making process associated with Clackmannanshire Council changing and, on some occasions completely reversing, what was being proposed by way of applications to council which directly affected their membership and the general Muirside population.

“I am extremely grateful to all of those members past and present, including those who held official positions within the Association for their commitment to their community and the association.

“It is my view that the Association has provided an effective voice for the community of Muirside and unfortunately has become a victim of its own success reflected in the lack of interest from Muirside residents recently, which has brought about the hard decision to disband same.

“As an elected member I have been more than appreciative of the work carried out by the Muirside Residents’ Association and will sadly miss, as a councillor, the constant up-to-date concerns and views the Association brought to my attention from their members.”