Council response to the stinging criticism...

A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “We have been working very closely and productively with the Mercat Cross and City Centre Community Council to ensure that the community’s aspirations and concerns are fully reflected in the City Development Framework (CDF) project.

That engagement, along with the views of the community and local businesses, helped shape these early capital projects.

“The council’s commitment to the Mercat Cross and City Centre area, and to the CDF, is visible through the substantial Capital Programme Allocation.

“The infrastructure allocation is in direct response to the work carried out by the community.

“The market pods have been discussed as a flexible pilot project to test the opportunity to boost retail footfall and support community events, and the Tolbooth Kitchen idea came after the community shared their desire for more access to the Tolbooth and their desire for a community food hub, to support more footfall on Broad Street.

“We absolutely recognise some of the wider issues in the community described by the community council, as we recognise the opportunity in the area and the aspiration of its residents.

“This has been reflected in the CDF work to date, and also forms part of the council’s larger investment proposals.

“In the spirit of partnership working, which has served us so well, we look forward to continuing to work closely with the community council, the local community and businesses, and we would hope that any issues or concerns can be brought to us directly.”