TRIBUTES are this week being paid to a "true campaigner" from Alloa who played an important role in reconnecting the town to the railway network.

Alloa Community Council is paying tributes to Martin Cook who sadly passed away on February 13.

A community councillor "who has made a difference to our community", Martin took interest in a number of matters and was an important part of the campaign to reconnect Alloa to the railway network back in 2008.

Paying tribute, fellow community councillor Cameron Little said: "Alloa has lost a true campaigner, one who has made a difference to our community.

"Martin did things his way, often in a unique way, he will be sadly missed by many.

"We as a group have lost a committed, enthusiastic and much valued community councillor."

Martin was a relatively new member of the community council, but Cameron reminisced of his work well before joining.

He said: "He played an important part in the successful public campaign to have Alloa reconnected to the national rail network in 2008.

"In more recent times, he, of his own accord, had been campaigning for the path from Braehead to Tullibody Road to be upgraded with the addition of lights to make it safer for the local residents to use.

"Also, another issue that concerned him greatly, was the number of cars illegally parked in the town and also those parked in spaces reserved for blue badge holders.

"Martin regularly made personal representation to the council and police regarding these issues.

"He frequently remarked on blue badge holders having to park in the supermarket car parks and then having to struggle into town."

Martin's funeral took place last Monday, February 21, at Stirlingshire Crematorium with many family and friends attending.

He passed away peacefully at the age of 69 and was a beloved husband of Ellen, dad of Debbie and Amanda, father-in-law of Alan and a much-loved papa of Scott, Jessica and Sebastian.