THE iconic Speirs Centre in Alloa has re-opened this week for the first time since last summer.

There will be a phased resumption of leisure, library and payment services in the Wee County after restrictions eased this Monday, April 26.

The doors opened at the Speirs Centre in Alloa on the same day and the building will be available between 9am and 2pm during weekdays.

A statement on Clackmannanshire Council's website said: "The lifting of restrictions has to be considered in line with the council's need to continue to support Covid recovery, specifically the testing programme, the vaccination programme and the support for isolation Helpline.

"These services are currently supported by staff from leisure and libraries, as well as from elsewhere across the council, and have to continue to run for the foreseeable future."

Visitors are currently able to use click and collect services for books, use the library book drop-off and gain essential access to computers if pre-booked.

The centre will also act as a drop-off point for postal votes while face-to-face payments and customer enquiries at the cash desk are also possible.

Access to computers, however, is limited.

There is a time limit of 45 minutes only with no extensions allowed and time slots must be booked to ensure compliance with the test and protect system.

Staff are cleaning down all equipment after each use and customers must wear face coverings.

Public toilets are available at the centre as are photocopying and printing facilities.

Visitors are also able to replace hearing aid batteries at the library.

Social distancing measures are to be followed with staff on hand to guide people.

Those entering the public areas of the library will be asked to complete a test and protect document while the mezzanine area within the centre will remain closed.

Elsewhere, outdoor facilities have also opened up at Alloa Academy for pre-existing bookings.

The sport and leisure facilities at Alva Academy are to follow next Tuesday, May 4, while the Lornshill pitches are set to open on Monday, May 10.

The Clacks Council statement continued: "Given the continued rates of Covid-19 in Clackmannanshire, the proposal for the re-opening of facilities and services takes a cautious and phased approach.

"This is similar to the approach taken last year at the end of the first lockdown.

"The proposed dates are based on the continuation of the downward trend in the daily number of positive cases."