DOZENS of youths are running wild at Alloa's Greenfield House, according to a local councillor.

The former B-listed headquarters of the local authority, which is now in private hands and currently lies empty, has become a magnet for vandals and partying youngsters recently.

Some residents are said to be "seriously concerned" about the ongoing anti-social behaviour, explained Labour's South Ward representative Councillor Kenny Earle.

After hearing from members of the public, he told the Advertiser "it's important" something gets done about the issue.

The councillor said: "Not only are the residents in Hill Street are getting concerned about it, residents in the surrounding area ie. Queen Street, Sunnyside Court, Paton Court, are getting really concerned about the actions of a lot of the youth that are congregating in the park at the weekends.

"I've heard reported numbers of up to 35.

"That is indicative of a big problem and we need to nip that problem in the bud before it becomes a really serious issue."

He added: "I've had reports of damage being done to the property by youngsters getting access.

"There are spikes on the roof to prevent people getting access. One of the major concerns there - what if they slip on the roof and someone falls and hurts themselves seriously?"

Though not a council property anymore. Cllr Earle urged people to call 101 if they see or hear any antisocial behaviour on site. He is also discouraging residents from taking matters into their own hands.

During a site visit last week, the Advertiser found the perimeter fencing was torn open in two places, with graffiti, a number of broken windows and roof tiles dislodged.

Police are also asking people to report any incidents so the issue can be dealt with "effectively and swiftly", but there have been suggestions from the councillor not all calls were being logged by the force previously.

Indeed Cllr Ellen Forson, SNP representative for the ward, received no confirmation when she conducted her inquiries.

She said: "As soon as this issue was brought to my attention by the chair of Alloa Community Council, I raised it with local police who advised that no reports about anti-social behaviour in the Greenfield area had been logged with them.

"I would therefore encourage local residents to call 101 should any further incidents occur.

"I have also contacted the company who now own Greenfield House to find out what steps they intend to take to ensure the building is secure."

However, police are now on patrol in the area to detect and deter any further incidents.

Chief Inspector Drew Sinclair, local area commander for Clackmannanshire, told the Advertiser: "We are aware of the recent complaints of youth-related anti-social behaviour around Greenfield House and we are currently liaising with the owners in relation to the security of the building and surrounding fencing.

"Local officers are providing high visibility patrols at peak times to disrupt and detect this behaviour and deal with those responsible.

"We are also carrying out enquiries with the public to identify those involved and ensure they are aware of the impact of their actions and the dangers of entering empty buildings.

"I would ask residents to contact police when if they observe anyone at the site causing issues, so we can manage the problem effectively and swiftly."