Dear editor As the Councillor who two years ago suggested that if the Alva Glen Hotel were to be demolished it would be desirable to protected the frontage because it was attractive and one of the earliest buildings/ Coaching Inns in Alva, I respond to the recent letter from George Horsburgh 7 March 2014.

It is now impossible to save the frontage of Alva Glen Hotel and my priority as a local Councillor is to secure a new use for the site – in the short term car parking and then new housing. The council remains fully committed to its decision to acquire the property by Compulsory Purchase Order and is involved in a hearing to be held on 30 April 2014 into the single objection to the Order.

In January 2014 we were informed that, once again, the property was changing hands between private individuals. An application for Demolition Consent was lodged, at the weekend, on-line (via UK Planning Portal) on 9 March 2014 by Gean Developments. Once it is checked and registered then the council will process this as soon as possible.

While the issue is complicated I remain satisfied that the council is continuing its commitment to progress action on Alva Glen Hotel.

I would like to assure Clackmannanshire residents and tax payers that the council aims to secure the best possible outcome for Alva and Clackmannanshire.

Your sincerely Cllr Donald Balsillie, Convenor of Enterprise and Environment Committee