THE Clackmannanshire North Ward is likely to be an interesting battleground during the upcoming council elections.

Its make-up changes from election to election and was the last area where the Liberal Democrats were able to claim a seat on the council.

This year, Donald Balsillie is aiming for re-election alongside fellow SNP hopeful Fiona Law.

Donald said: "Working as one of your local councillors I helped secured Alva Library/Community Access Point, Streetscape investment and the provision of cycle paths to Tillicoultry and, as proposed, Menstrie.

"If re-elected I wish to assist the continued improvement in, the main street, park/play areas, the council's civic responsibilities, how the council tackles fly tipping and recycling, provision of a cyclepath to Fishcross and community engagement in the redevelopment of the Glentana site.

"My aim is to continue to be accessible to constituents needs wherever and whenever required."

Fiona added: "I've worked in financial services for the last 12 years and have an Honours Degree in Criminological Studies. I also volunteer as a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter, running a weekly support group in Tillicoultry and a Facebook breastfeeding support group for Clackmannanshire families. The experience I have from these I believe will make me an excellent local councillor.

"If elected I want to investigate what steps have been taken to find a solution to open Tillicoultry Glen, why Tillicoultry is missing from the Clackmannanshire Active Communities physical activity programmes and I want to ensure that any housing development plans work for the communities that they are being built in, local community concerns are listened to, and developers and planners adhere to planning conditions."

Clare Andrews, representing the Greens, will push for more accessible bus routes and renewable energy for all residents, if elected.

She said: "I'm a psychological scientist who teaches in higher education and have studied the harm caused by food poverty, as well as witnessed it first-hand while volunteering at a foodbank during the pandemic.

"I also see growing anxieties among young people, adding to the mental health crisis already blighting many lives.

"As a Scottish Green, I bring fresh thinking to tackle inequalities and the cost of living crisis, alongside the climate crisis which brings damaging extreme weather and harms our health and mental health.

"I will work hard to support the community spirit, local businesses, and nature that I discovered when I moved to Tillicoultry in 2020.

"We need better leisure facilities for healthier lives, so I'll push for a proper Leisure Bowl replacement and promote Hillfoots community activities for all ages."

Eva Comrie, aiming to be one of the first Alba Party councillors in Clacks, said: "I've decades of experience of the troubles faced in our county.

"Between 1992 and 1996 I served on Clackmannan District and Clackmannanshire Councils.

"My ambition for Scotland is Independence – not for its sake alone, but as the method by which we will ensure the fulfilment of our greatest resource – the potential of our people; the need for Independence has become increasingly urgent as the result of the pandemic and Brexit.

"In Clackmannanshire, one in four children live in poverty; hundreds of single adults comprise the 'working poor' and many fear the imminent thump of fuel bills.

"That we have citizens unable to eat and heat is totally unacceptable."

Martha Benny is looking to hold her seat as representative of the Conservative party.

She said: "I believe if you want change for the better, you need to be part of that change. I have championed for better schooling better outcomes for mental health and better futures for our children.

"I have served the people of Clacks north for the past five years and if re-elected will continue to champion and support families and business whenever I can.

"If it's good for Clackmannanshire we will support it."

Gordon Bruce, looking to secure an elected member for the Liberal Democrats, added: "The rich but hard history of this Wee County has left a legacy that deserves renewed focus and energy: the people of Clackmannanshire need the opportunities that well-paid full-time jobs bring to an area to help inspire new employment and rekindle hope.

"As the cost-of-living spirals, better, fully insulated homes are the most economic way for communities and households alike to survive price increases, improve health as well as playing our part in dealing with climate change – it's just the right thing to do.

"Alongside inward investment for more and better paid employment, we also need to improve our Public Transport – Covid aside, bus routes and frequencies need support, as well as pushing for expanded Rail travel – not saddle fares with a 3.8 per cent rise.

"As a party, the Scottish Liberal Democrats offer new hope, demanding the reversal of the £250million council funding cut by the SNP/Green government."

William Keogh, the Labour candidate for the ward, said: "The cost of living crisis is hitting almost every individual, family and community across Clackmannanshire North.

"I am proud to be standing on a Labour manifesto that sets out how we will help to reduce household costs with policies that will put money back in constituents bank accounts rather than into large corporations.

"As a lifelong trade unionist, I am committed to standing up for those in need at times of difficulty. I will work with everyone to achieve the best for this area. I will listen to your concerns and I will act upon them. You won't just see me at election time but rather I will be a hardworking councillor for each and every constituent every day."

Ian Millar is the only independent candidate running for the ward and has more than three decades of experience as a community councillor.

He said: "If people vote for me they are voting for a person that will act in the interests of all residents, community groups and business. Represent and listen to what the community say not a political party who are told what they should do by their leaders.

"I have been a community councillor for over 35 years I have been involved in a number of campaigns over the years.

"If elected as a councillor I will work hard to bring much needed improvements to the area. I will stay as independent and not join any political party."