A FORMER schools support service building in Alloa has been fenced off in the wake of rising safety concerns.

The former site of the Clackmannanshire Schools Support Services (secondary) at Bedford Place has been secured to deter entry to the site – a meeting of Clackmannanshire Council heard last week.

It comes after the support services were rehomed in 2020 due to the deteriorating condition of the listed structure.

According to council documents, tabled on Thursday February 12, the perimeter of the building has been made secure with fencing, suitable access ways and warning signage.

Scaffolding has also been erected around the building to allow visual inspections and to stabilise sections of the external facade.

Dormer sections have been braced and propped and loose masonry has been tied into the structure where necessary.

The virtual Kilncraigs chamber also heard that external inspections are being undertaken on a weekly basis.

Councillor Graham Lindsay, spokesman for education, said on the day: "At the last meeting members quite rightly, across the chamber, outlined concerns around the safety and security of the building – in particular the external areas that might draw attention [from] members of the public.

"The property team have taken great care in ensuring that the security of the building is paramount and are overseeing regular external inspections."

Moving forward, a brief for a "full options appraisal and structural assessment" has been written and will be part of the forthcoming Learning Estate feasibility and Condition Survey programme.

Council papers added: "A capital bid for upgrade cannot reasonably be considered until all feasibility, structural assessment and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Building appraisals have been undertaken."

The building on Bedford Place was constructed in 1875 and is a category C listed building within a conservation area.

Cllr Kenny Earle, an Alloa representative, told the meeting: "I'm glad to see [the progress at] the building at Bedford Place.

"As you know, at each meeting where this has been brought up I've raised my concerns about the safety round about there and I'm glad to see the concerns have been addressed and the safety issues have been addressed as well.

"Please pass on my thanks to the team for that."