A CLACKS congregation has been left “disheartened and dismayed” after a vacant minister’s house has been systematically targeted by a group of vandals this month.

Empty since the beginning of January, the manse of Clackmannan Parish Church has had several of its windows smashed and cracked on a number of occasions over the course of May.

The mindless vandals even removed boards on the ground floor to have a go at window panes, later moving on to targeting glass on the first floor and even ruining a CCTV camera.

At one point the culprits grabbed and threw nearby flower pots at the building and the catalogue of damage last week culminated in a slab of masonry being thrown through the office window of the Bruce Memorial Hall.

Members of the congregation now estimate it will cost around £2,000, with a spokesperson telling the Advertiser: “We are disheartened and dismayed – why is it happening, why did it start when it did?”

They are now thinking about boarding up all the windows and more anti-climb paint has also been applied around the premises – all coming out of church funds that could have been spent better in the community.

The spokesperson added: “It’s not just a one-off – [they came] most nights, even during the day.”

According to the spokesperson, who asked the Advertiser to remain anonymous, some neighbours have called the police when they caught sight of the mindless vandals on site.

One CCTV camera was also damaged around the building and the Advertiser understands unsuccessful attempts were made at other ones too.

Wee County police are on the case and are conducting inquiries.

Inspector Charlie Mitchell, from Alloa Police Station, said: “We are aware that the unoccupied manse in Port Street has been targeted by vandals over the past few weeks, resulting in a number of windows being damaged.

"Local officers are currently conducting inquiries to identify those responsible and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

"In addition, police patrols will be conducted in the area to deter further incidents and to speak with members of the public who may have information relevant to these offences."