CLACKMANNAN residents have been left "sickened" by the theft and vandalism of community artworks in the town.

The Knit and Natter Group, run by the Clackmannan Development Trust, had been behind the knitted woolly sheep displays that were dotted around the area.

However, the trust told last week how some had been defaced or stolen, sparking condemnation among the community.

Jenni Bone, vice-chair of the trust, said: "I am sickened by what has happened, so many hours of work and dedication has been put into this display.

"It started as a lockdown project, because some of our elderly ladies who participate in our knitting group were obviously unable to attend during lockdown.

"We created this wee community project to get them communicating with each other and to put something out there to brighten the community."

She added: "Our Knit and Natter group have spent weeks making them and it's devastating to see their work destroyed."

Two knitted sheep from their community display were said to have been stolen from Devonway, while others have been subjected to vandalism, resulting in the trust having to replace several of the wooden stakes with metal alternatives.

This is not the first time that displays in the town have been vandalised. The Knit and Natter groups festive display during the Christmas period of 2021 was also targeted, with one of the sheep even being set on fire.

Hours of work have gone into constructing the current set of displays, with volunteers coming together to craft 14 colourful woolly sheep, as well as a sheepdog and shepherd.

Jenni Bone added: "We still currently have 12 sheep, the sheepdog and the shepherd on display, they can be found in Forestmill, Kennet and various other locations around the Clackmannan area.

"We've had so many positive comments from the local community to say how appreciated everyone's hard work is, and how the displays really brighten the place up."

Anyone with any information about the thefts or vandalism is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.