THE Wee County SNP group has selected Jane McTaggart as their candidate in the forthcoming central ward by-election, to be held on March 28.

Jane not only lives in the ward but also works in the area, running a successful Social Enterprise, C-MEE Ltd, which she started some 15 years ago.

Over the last few years, Jane has generated over £1,000,000 in external funding to develop crucial training, employment, work placements and volunteering opportunities for those who are struggling to move closer to the job market.

C-MEE’s services are also crucial to many in Clackmannanshire who need affordable gardening, decorating and small repairs and who need a sense of community around them.

Jane was the founding director of Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, is a former trustee of Citizens Advice Bureau in Clackmannanshire, and served with the Council for Voluntary Services and Volunteer Centre Clacks.

Speaking after being given the nomination from her party, she said: "I am privileged to have been chosen as the SNP candidate in this by-election.

"I am a firm believer that the SNP policies are the only ones to effectively deliver what we need here in Clackmannanshire Central.

"As someone who lives and works in this ward, I am fully aware of the needs and aspirations of the people who also live and work here.

"I have a strong social ethic and a very powerful 'can-do attitude. I’ve been involved in various community organisations for decades and am extremely familiar with all aspects of community in Clackmannanshire Central and in Clackmannanshire as a whole.

"I relish the prospect of representing the people of Clackmannanshire Central on Clackmannanshire Council and I welcome with anticipation, the possibility of working with fellow Councillors and Council officers to maximise the benefits we have here in the Wee County and to minimise the effects of huge levels of debt inherited from Labour's ill-advised PFI schools’ projects; with loan repayments of £8.5 million this year alone.

"I know this will be challenging, but I don’t shy away from hard work. I would never offer empty promises that I can't keep but, if elected, I guarantee I will represent the people of Clackmannanshire Central Ward with the same energy and enthusiasm I put into everything I do.”

Jane was an unsuccessful candidate in the 2017 local government campaign when she stood for election in the Clacks East Ward.

However, the Sauchie woman says she and her campaign team have had an exceptionally good response from the public over the past few weeks.