PLANS to nurture safe social distancing in the Wee County could see the temporary closure of the main shopping streets to vehicles in Alloa.

According to information received by MSP Mark Ruskell, the closure of streets in Alloa would create space for queuing and to facilitate social distancing between people.

In other settlements, where closures would be impractical, there could be a suspension of kerbside parking outside shops and businesses.

Along with other measures, this could potentially form a part of Clackmannanshire Council's application to the Spaces for People Fund.

The fund, announced by the Scottish Government last month, will seek to help local authorities design and facilitate complex infrastructure programmes as they respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

It also comes at a time when there has been an increase in walking and cycling across the country – due to lockdown measures.

Mr Ruskell told the Advertiser: "I'm really pleased that Clacks Council is working on an action plan to make our streets safer.

"We have seen a huge surge in people out on foot and bike since lockdown, but as traffic levels start to rise again there must be proper space to allow everyone to safely social distance without being forced into the road."

Also part of plans to make getting around safer, there may be a temporary narrowing of streets to allow wider pavements in general.

Controls could also be put in place over pavement parking.

Rural roads between towns could see reduced speed limits and wider footways as well.

In particular, council officers indicated in a reply to the Mr Ruskell's enquiry that a 20mph speed limit could be put in place along the A91 through each of the Hillfoots towns and villages.

Walking and cycling routes could see the removal of narrow pinch points as well.

Bus stops could also see changes with some designated only for boarding and others for alighting.

Furthermore, there may be a prohibition of car drop-offs on streets outside schools while selected town centre car parks could be closed to create social meeting spaces.

These would allow disabled parking and space for fast food delivery vehicles, however.

Mr Ruskell continued: "Creating wider pavements to prioritise space outside shops, removing pinch points on walkways and cycle lanes, introducing lower speeds on rural lanes and control of inconsiderate parking are all important measures."

The Green MSP expressed hope that some of the improvements could become permanent features if successful.

He added: "I was successful in parliament in extending the maximum life of these emergency measures from six months to 18 months, so if they are still needed they can be kept in place for a while before a long term decision is made on their future."