CYCLISTS will find it easier to deal with punctures after two repair stations have been installed in a Hillfoots town.

The bike repair stations have been installed in Alva, along National Cycle Route 768, to assist people who need to carry out basic repairs.

Thanks to funding secured through the EDF Renewables Burnfoot Hill Wind Farm Community Fund, administered by Foundation Scotland, Alva Community Council recently got together to install the units.

One is located at the cycle path near to the crossroads on the A91 at the east end of the town while the other station is on the newly built cycle path between Alva and Menstrie near to the Balquharn junction.

Lynn Cameron, chairperson at Alva Community Council, said: “These are really useful pieces of equipment and hopefully encourages and supports cyclists to and through Alva, knowing that if they have a problem it can be quickly sorted.”

The units cost more than £1,000 each and were installed as cycling is believed to be growing in popularity in the Wee County.

With just a few repair stations around, the community council hopes other groups and organisations can also install them to further promote active travel and healthier lifestyles.

The units are fitted with basic tools such as spanners, screwdrivers, tyre levers and a pump.

Cllr Fiona Law added: “Both stations are a great addition to our active travel routes in Alva.

“I would like to thank the Alva Community Council for all their work to make this happen, including sourcing the funding.”

Thanks also went to builders John Lasman and Sons who laid the support foundations and installed the units.

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The units are already proving to be a popular idea.

Nicola MacRae, who was passing on her bike from Tillicoultry, said: “It was the first time I have seen these, it’s a great idea.

“Clacks has a great cycle network. The unit looks good and is complete with all the tools, I can work on my bike at a good height without having to strain myself bending over carrying out repairs.”