COMMUNITY wellbeing, empowerment and transport are on the top of the agenda for hopefuls in the Clackmannanshire East by-election.

Labour, SNP and the Greens have all re-selected their previously running candidates for the postponed by-election, which was originally due to go ahead just as the coronaviurs pandemic hit the Wee County.

Muckhart woman Marion Robertson is contesting the seat for the Greens on November 19, Tillicoultry carer Carolynne Hunter is standing for Labour while Dollar stalwart Stephen Leitch is hoping to be elected for the SNP.

As highlighted last week, Denis Coyne is again standing for the Conservatives while the Liberal Democrats have swapped previous candidate John Biggam for Menstrie man Dr Jim Hay.

Marion Robertson, who runs a sustainable B&B in Muckhart, is looking to make transport a priority.

She said: "Living in Muckhart I use public transport as much as I can and it's obvious that Clacks East communities are crying out for improved and affordable bus and rail services.

"This would enable more low carbon mobility, reduce road congestion, air pollution and social isolation.

"Scottish Greens have been working hard to re-open the rail line between Alloa and Kincardine, ahead of the proposed Talgo train manufacturing base in Longannet.

"I will fight to make sure that Clackmannan is not neglected and gets its own rail station."

For Stephen Leitch, who is looking to build on his experience as community councillor and as a founding director of the town's development trust, coronavirus has put an emphasis on community spirit and support.

He thanked support groups as well as volunteers and pledged to support them if elected.

He also highlighted planning as a key issue in town along with waste management, which he would look to resolve.

Mr Leitch said: "It can be difficult for residents to easily engage with the planning process with many reporting that their voices are not heard.

"The move to more digital interaction with council services due to Covid-19 issues makes this more difficult.

"If elected I will work hard to ensure that people's voices are heard within the planning framework."

Health and wellbeing has come to the forefront during the current crisis for Carolynne Hunter, full-time carer for her daughter Freya who has severe cerebral palsy.

She recently became community health champion for the area with NHS Forth Valley and said: "I think we are going to be in coronavirus times for a while so it's about looking at how we can live our best life while going through this pandemic, be part of the community, not feel so isolated and have the support and help we all need."

If elected, Ms Hunter is hoping to work on active travel initiatives and provision.

She added: "I also want to look at getting better cycle paths for people that do want to go cycling but don't want to cycle on the road, making it safer."

The Labour hopeful is also looking to empower communities.

She said: "I'm trying to find out what people want, how people's lives could be improved and asking them: how can we make your life better, how can the community be better for you."

Menstrie's Dr Jim Hay, who has been living in the area since 1971, spent 25 years at the village's yeast factory, latterly as R&D manager.

Currently a consultant bioscientist at the University of Stirling, he said his top priority would be tackling the current coronavirus crisis.

He added: "The second top priority is for the council administration to tackle the appalling social issues afflicting a significant proportion of the county's population namely destitution, homelessness, child poverty, domestic, alcohol and drug abuse.

"The county has the unenviable reputation of being ranked one of the worst in Scotland.

"This is scandalous and is probably a legacy of the de-industrialisation of major industries within the county which has left an employment void which has not been filled.

"The third priority must be to attract businesses and concomitant employment to the county."

Dr Hay would also place an emphasis on developing the economy, embracing new technologies, reducing the county's carbon footprint in an inclusive way.