Parliament's Justice Committee will travel and sit in Alloa on Tuesday next week, with the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill as the subject offered for discussion.

"The local community will be asked to contribute its views on the part of the Bill looking at sentencing. The committee is particularly interested in the effectiveness of prison sentences of six months or less," the Government said in a statement.

Committee Convener Bill Aitken MSP said "It is important for us to hear from local people on how crime and violence have impacted on their lives and their views on the proposals contained within the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill. This is an excellent opportunity for the Justice Committee to apply the key principles of the Scottish Parliament in being open and accessible to the Scottish public by holding our meeting at Alloa Town Hall."