THE former Bruce Lounge has been taken over by Clackmannan Development Trust, which marked the move with an afternoon tea party last week.

As the trust grew over the years, it became apparent a bigger space was required and indeed, 2020 promises to be a year full of activities for the board and volunteers.

The move away from its previous home at the town hall means the trust has brought a derelict Main Street building, under number 5, back into good use.

Lesley Shaw, community development officer, said: "We moved in just the week before Christmas and rallied up a team of volunteers to do painting, clear space, move the furniture.

"I think the community spirit to see the expansion of the trust was amazing."

She extended a nod of appreciation to all who helped out in the process.

The premises, right next to the historic Tolbooth and Stone of Mannan, will offer opportunities for more activities.

Some groups are already planning to make good use of it, for instance with a Neil's Hugs group starting up and there are hopes to accommodate the Thank You for the Music intergenerational activities.

It will also be a place for people to go along to and get information that could help.

And there is an opportunity to offer a stop for visitors, who could pop in, find out more about the town and the trust and make use of the facilities.

The trust is "quite ambitious" in what it is looking to achieve in the future, explained Lesley.

Among the plans for this "important year" are to secure future funding, further develop active travel activities like the Saddle Up cycle outings and potentially offer weekly rides during the summer along with a camp and much more.