A COMMUNITY learning centre initiative has launched in Alloa town centre last week.

The Liberal Club, based on Mar Street, has officially been unveiled by the town's Jackie McPherson with a view to providing physical and recreational activities, along with learning opportunities.

Having worked in community education settings for years, Jackie aims to bolster health and wellbeing in Clacks from the club's base on the groundfloor of the category B listed building.

As previously reported, three rooms and a reception area were brought into the 21st century by Pathways To Employment CIC to help move forward Jackie's idea, which he previously dubbed as Alloa and Hillfoots Community Learning Centre.

With the works complete, the venture has been named The Liberal Club, after its namesake building, with ideas invited for regular groups and activities to run there.

Describing the premises, Jackie told the Advertiser what has been dubbed as The Book Room is an ideal place for groups to meet but also to host classes and courses.

There is also the Health Hub, a project in its own right, where he is hoping to develop health and wellbeing services with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) counselling already on the cards.

An idea already from the community, he is also exploring the possibility of a bereavement service.

The Rec Room is the third and largest area which will be ideal for physical activities and for social gatherings in the future.

The Alloa man has a wide range of ideas for the space and is hoping to create a programme of activities that would suit and interest people.

For physical activities there could be yoga, Tai chi and much more.

Jackie, who plays the drums and the bodhran, is already looking for musicians for regular trad sessions.

He also said that indoor market events are also set to pop up on Sundays, starting from this weekend.

“I'm dead excited," Jackie added. "After the time and working effort it took to get the place done up, I can focus on getting it developed and turn it into what I want, and what the community want.

"There's got to be community participation involved in this for it to succeed.”

He thanked director Darren Perrie and the men at Pathways to Employment CIC for renovating the premises, Andy at CTSI, Clarke at Clackmannanshire Works, Lindsay at the Job Centre for their help and Lara Campbell for graphic design work.

Jackie is looking to hear ideas from the community and can be contacted on Facebook, by emailing jackiemcpherson67@yahoo.com or by calling 07530 783 645.