CLACKMANNAN Development Trust (CDT) have been awarded nearly £30,000 to encourage the town’s residents to become more active and carbon friendly.

The money was provided by Paths for All, a charity that works to get Scots out and about in a bid to make their lives healthier and happier.

Their £28,000 funding will allow CDT to finance an active travel co-ordinator for at least 12 months.

The post holder will support the town’s newly established cycle leader volunteers, who have created a community cycle programme.

That programme offers Clackmannan residents the chance to take part in group bike rides between spring and autumn throughout the Wee County.

The post will also involve providing training and support to Clackmannan’s primary school and their bike-ability programme, as well as working on promotional events and research.

The aim of establishing the post is to help Clackmannan become a more carbon friendly community, and to get locals out walking and cycling to access the town’s facilities.

CDT undertook a survey last year to establish locals’ interest in cycling, and 98% of respondents expressed an interest in taking part in led rides in the area.

As well as that, 20% stated they would like to become cycle leaders.

Lesley Shaw, CDT’s community development officer, said: “We are delighted to have received this award from Paths for All and to see our trust continue to grow.

“Clackmannan is a fantastic place for cycling as it sits on the National Cycle Route 76: Round the Forth.

“It also has access to Gartmorn Dam, Dunfermline and Black Devon Wetlands - to name a few places.

“It is our hope that this post holder will be able to support local people and the interest around cycling in the town, by developing the project and encourage more people to avoid making un-necessary and costly journeys by car.

“[That would make] our town a safer and healthier place to live, work and visit.”

The trust are currently recruiting for the active travel co-ordinator post, and are keen for potential applicants to get in touch and apply.

To find out more about the post, contact Lesley Shaw on 01259 219 473, or send in an application using the following link: tinyurl.com/y56a7afs.

CDT will also be hosting a Bike Maintenance and Trail Cycle Repair Course on May 4, from 9am until 3pm.

The session is priced at £20 (£15 for CDT members) and places can be booked by emailing rbarton_cdt@outlook.com.

Places are limited.