THE date for the Christmas light switch on event for 2023 has been confirmed by Alloa First.

Following the successful BID vote last Friday, October 6, Alloa First has published their monthly newsletter, providing members with an update on what’s to come next.

Key parts of their manifesto ahead of the vote was the continuation of the Christmas lights switch on and this has been confirmed and expanded upon in the newsletter.

A spokesperson for Alloa First said: “Due to the uncertainty of a further five-year term for Alloa First, the award of the Christmas light tender had been placed on hold.

“Thanks to the successful ballot outcome revealed on Friday, we have been able to award the contract for this years lights to LITE Ltd.

“Over the next few weeks, we will be working with LITE Ltd to bring a new lighting scheme with hopefully some permanent seasonal installations to the High Street and Drysdale Street, bringing an additional sparkle to the town centre.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: CCTV coverage in Alloa town centre is set to be improved.CCTV coverage in Alloa town centre is set to be improved. (Image: Alloa First)

“The Christmas tree lights switch on event will be on Saturday, November 25. More details to follow soon.”

The Alloa First BID was successfully voted in for another five-year term, ensuring the project continues until 2028.

Businesses within the town submitted their ballots over the past month, with Alloa First scooping almost 60 per cent of the overall vote.

Alloa First also took the time to answer queries regarding the town’s CCTV network, confirming they will be looking to expand it in their new term.

The spokesperson continued: “We’ve received a number of enquiries regarding the functionality of the town centre CCTV.

“To offer your staff and customers reassurance, we can confirm that we have 17 operational cameras located throughout the town centre.

“They can be viewed in the Alloa First office and the police have 24/7 access to the footage.

“We are currently looking at additional cameras for the system in the next BID term to cover some areas that have been identified as hot spots.

“The chunky old CCTV cameras located throughout the town were installed by the council over a decade ago and are no longer functioning.

“They have remained in position as they are not the responsibility of Alloa First but also as a potential deterrent.

“These are completely separate from the Alloa First CCTV system.”

Alloa First is keen to hear from the public regarding their thoughts on the current system.

If anyone would like to view the current system or has suggestions on other locations they would like to have CCTV coverage, please contact diane@alloafirst.co.uk.