A BROWNFIELD site in Alva received a welcome tidy-up last week, but residents are still hoping for a long-term solution.

The plot of land where the former Alva Glen Hotel used to stand was cleaned up following pleas from a resident living nearby, but locals are "totally fed up" and would like to see it developed.

Planning permission is in place for 11 dwellings at the plot of land on the corner of Stirling and Brook streets, but owners Gean Developments are looking to sell it off.

Neighbouring resident Catherine Loader told the Advertiser the fenced off land had become overgrown with weeds and some people have used it as a tip, attracting rats.

She noted that the owners were relatively quick to act following several phone calls, but she now hopes locals will help ensure the hard work will not be in vain by making sure no one discards items at the site.

She added: "A lot of people wouldn't agree, there were some people in the café this morning saying it will just grow again and that it's been a waste of time. I don't want it to be a waste of time.

"It's like anything, it's only a minority of people.

"I want to voice it to them: they are not doing the site any good and if they want a car park in there or some houses, it's not going to be done as long as they are doing that [fly-tipping]."

Local business owner Carolyn McIntosh, who runs the coffee shop No 71, said she would like to see something done with the site and branded it an "eyesore".

The lack of parking has long been an issue on the shopping strip, with Carolyn adding: "A carpark with public toilets [would be welcome] because we don't have any of them in Alva either.

"It's great that it has been cleared, but the buddleia will go back in two or three weeks – you get a bit of sun, a bit of rain and the buddleia is a weed, it will just go mad again."

Michael McIntyre, of DM Hall who are marketing the development opportunity, said: "My client was happy to have the site cleared of the accumulated rubbish and debris, which improves the aesthetics of the area.

"This will assist with marketability and hopefully lead to a sale of the site and its ultimate development."

According to Alva Community Council, developers Allanwater Homes have shown interest in developing more than 100 houses at the Barryfield site on the east of town and may be keen to take on the opportunity at the hotel too, even if plans are altered.

Sandra Rees, chairperson of the community council, added: "The people of Alva are totally fed up with the state of the site of the former hotel and most would like to see it developed into much needed car parking for the town."

She added the town "would be absolutely delighted" if anyone had the money to buy the land for car parking.