FAMILIES around Alloa South East are enjoying improved facilities with an upgrade to the Bowmar Centre and an extension to Park ELC.

The official opening of the extension to Park Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) and an upgraded and improved Bowmar Centre were celebrated this week as they look to improve the lives of communities around the area.

A total of £4.35 million was invested in the projects with funding by Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government.

Significant upgrade works at the Bowmar Centre are ensuring the building is wind- and watertight with a compete new roof, electricals replaced and now including CCTV.

Toilets and changing facilities have also been improved along with renewed central heating and upgraded flooring as well as redecoration.

The refurbished and extended Park ELC opened to children in September and has been shaped to get the most out of the site and to create an internal courtyard feel to the main outside play areas.

The building feels open yet provides many smaller spaces for quieter time, using acoustic panels to help regulate noise levels.

The facility also boasts air source heat pumps for renewable energy to help reduce emissions.

Council leader Ellen Forson was delighted to have been able to work with partners to deliver the upgraded facilities to improve lives around the area.

She said: “Park ELC is now a fantastic facility that provides an excellent learning environment for our youngest children, helping families to access work and training opportunities to enhance the opportunities available to them.

“Another element of our work to help our communities thrive is the significant improvements that have taken place at the Bowmar Centre.

“The centre is already busy with community activities and support and this investment means that the community can have confidence in accessing a more secure and comfortable building that can grow into an extensive local hub for everyone.”

Park ELC is open all year round with flexible timings between 8am and 5.40pm.

With a capacity for 140 children between the ages of two and five, the project was part of the council's investment to provide 1,140hours of childcare.