This Week in Alloa

This week in Alloa and Clackmannanshire, the community mood appears to be a mix of excitement, concern, and local pride, with a strong undercurrent of sports and animal welfare news. On the sporting front, there's considerable buzz surrounding local racing connections. O’Brien is still aiming for Newmarket with Precise, and Ombudsman is making waves with a tilt at the Dubai Turf, with "looks magnificent" ahead of the race. Calandagan has galloped to victory in the Sheema Classic, and Eternal Force is set to run in the Lincoln. Local racing enthusiasts can also keep an eye on Elliott's plans for Oldschool Outlaw at Fairyhouse, and Aramram showing real form. For football fans, Kyle McAllister's double helped Forest Green to a comeback win, and Alassana Jatta's brace boosted Notts County's promotion hopes. However, the mood is dampened by Alloa FC's defeat to Peterhead, tightening the playoff race, and the news that Ballyburn faces a significant spell on the sidelines due to injury. Calum Adamson has also shared his experiences on learning "football's dark arts" at Alloa. Beyond sports, community well-being and local events are prominent. The Seven Barrows event, supporting World Autism Acceptance Week, was a highlight, demonstrating the racing scene's support. A Forth Valley cooking project is serving up confidence and connection, and an Alloa autism care service has received top marks after inspection. On a more somber note, counter-terrorism officers are assisting an investigation after pedestrians were hit by a car, and thoughts are with those involved. A teenager has been arrested following a fire at a Grade II listed mill, and a local man is being questioned as part of a sex abuse investigation. The tragic death of Amy Doherty has left many heartbroken, and a man has been jailed for an assault witnessed by Barron Trump. There's also concern over allegations of a "toxic culture" at the Alloa Co-op, leading to the boss's resignation, and a local man is facing charges related to the murder of a mother-of-two. Local businesses and infrastructure are also in the news. McGill's has been crowned the UK's top bus operator for customer satisfaction, though they are considering legal action after ministers snubbed a £16m deal for Chinese buses. Some Alloa roads remain closed due to "significant damage," and a burst water main has caused water supply disruptions and closed a roundabout. A local takeaway has been shut due to hygiene failings, and another takeaway has closed after "dirty and greasy" kitchen conditions and suspected food poisoning. Plans have been submitted for a new cash machine in the town centre, and the Castle hotel is considering an outdoor sauna experience. The Yorkshire Building Society is staying open on Saturdays in April, and six trees are to be axed from outside the bank on Mar Place. Political and societal issues are also being discussed. Zia Yusuf has called a 'Nazi salute' photo by a candidate abhorrent. Concerns are being raised about class sizes hindering teachers' ability to support SEND pupils. John Swinney has insisted the SNP has an "effective process" for dealing with abusive behaviour, and Wendy Flynn has voiced worry over comments from the victim of a former council boss. Keir Starmer is promising to "fight" social media firms over addictive content, a move that could impact young people in Alloa. Lib Dem leader Cole-Hamilton is optimistic about challenging the SNP in many seats. The energy crisis is expected to define the Holyrood election. A poll showing a "significant rise" in churchgoing has been pulled over bogus respondents. In other news, McCoy is facing the gruelling London Marathon challenge. The Royal Regiment of Scotland is celebrating its 20th anniversary. A new Fife Miners’ Memorial Way walking route will commemorate Alloa's mining history. Local dancers from Tull