HUNDREDS of people turned out to Alexander Park in Clackmannan at the weekend to enjoy the Picnic in the Park event.

The afternoon, organised by Clackmannan Community Council, was designed as a fundraiser and to bring the community together in a bid to share ideas and plans on how to develop the park.

Development will go ahead thanks to investment from Ambassador Homes, which the community council hopes to match fund to make significant improvements at the park.

These would see a footpath around the perimeter, an outdoor gym and more accessible play equipment.

Jacqueline Harvey, of Clackmannan Community Council, said: “We are pleased at the turnout on the day; it was just lovely to see so many people together and enjoying themselves after a challenging 18 months.

“We are encouraged by how many residents were interested in our plans to develop the park and provided lots of suggestions for us to consider.

“We are delighted to have raised £1,200 towards the plans and thank everyone who supported this event.”

Clackmannan Development Trust (CDT) was also out on the day along with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The two organisations were consulting people on what improvements they would like to see in Clackmannan over the coming years as a fresh five-year community action plan is being drawn up.

Helping to shape the plan is the Place Standard Tool, a framework that facilitates conversations to measure the views of residents about aspects of their community such as public transport, traffic, employment, access to services, natural space, safety, play, recreation and more.

Lesley Shaw, community development manager at CDT, added: “It was really interesting to chat and more importantly listen the to the views of residents about what they want for the town going forward - especially after the impact of the pandemic as there is now appears to be even more appreciation and emphasis on the importance for ‘keeping it local’ than ever before.”

Those who missed the event on Sunday, August 29, can still have their say as CDT is looking to host more consultation events throughout September.

For more details, visit clackmannancommuity.org or find the trust on Facebook.