FURTHER funding has been awarded to Clackmannanshire Council to build on town centre projects.

The council will receive £245,000 from the £18million Scottish Government Town Centre Fund.

It is to create more welcoming, connected and pleasant places in the Wee County.

Cllr Craig Holden, spokesman for environment and housing at Clacks Council, said: "We welcome this latest round of funding from the Scottish Government and we will work with partners and communities to explore how we can help to support our towns and town centres through the current economic climate to emerge stronger, smarter, cleaner, healthier and greener."

In particular, the local authority is hoping to build on the last round of projects which were supported by the fund.

These were centred around Alloa and include an active travel hub as well as enhanced safe crossing opportunities on King Street.

Another two projects were identified to focus on remodelling the public spaces at Shillinghill and on Bank Street.

These projects were identified in partnership with Alloa First BID, Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface as well as Architecture and Design Scotland.

The Advertiser understands there has been a delay to work starting on these projects, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, it is also understood work is due to commence later this year.

Announcing the £18m Town Centre Fund, communities secretary Aileen Campbell added: "Communities are best placed to identify specific needs and aspirations and this regeneration funding enables the delivery of a wide range of locally-developed projects to be made into reality.

"Our places must work for our communities, and the town centre funding will build on the success of last year's fund.

"With it, local authorities will be able to drive forward projects that help people live better locally and reduce their carbon footprint while driving footfall to local businesses."