DOLLAR Community Development Trust has formally applied to take ownership of Dollar Hive from Clackmannanshire Council.

The group recently submitted an application for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the building and land, offering the local authority £153,000.

If the CAT is successful, it would see the trust take over the site "to develop and deliver community activities and services".

This would be an extension of the work already being carried out at the site by DCDT.

A spokesperson for the group told the Advertiser: "Dollar Community Development Trust has been operating the Hive since September 2018, when the council decided it was surplus to requirements.

"For the community this has been a successful initiative with the building being very well used, including an outstanding community library, yoga, pilates, karate, fitness classes, the Brownies, language classes, Sporty Seniors and many more."

The spokesperson added that they hoped Clackmannanshire Council would make a decision on the CAT "as soon as possible".

This is because the trust is applying to the Scottish Land Fund for a grant to purchase Dollar Hive – but the fund is winding up and its last grant will be assessed in November this year.

Elaborating on what it would mean if the CAT is approved, the trust's business plan said it would allow the them to apply for grants and community investment to improve the facilities, building and the grounds.

It would also "empower the trust and community to commit to long term programmes and leave a legacy for the town".

Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, community bodies can make requests for council-owned land and/or buildings they feel they could make better use of through CATs.

Over the next few weeks, Clackmannanshire Council is looking for members of the public to submit their thoughts on DCDT's proposal to take over Dollar Hive.

Anyone wishing to express their opinion is asked to send it to Clackmannanshire Council, in writing, by noon on July 17 by emailing assettransfer@clacks.gov.uk.

Emails should include 'Community Asset Transfer of former Dollar CAP/library & grounds' in the subject line, and a copy of the email will be provided to DCDT.

DCDT is a community-run organisation working to regenerate the local area.

According to a survey the trust carried out early this year, 80 per cent of respondents felt the trust taking ownership of Dollar Hive would be a good idea.

To view the trust's proposals and business plan for the running of Dollar Hive, visit tinyurl.com/y8shr3hs