“GRAVE” concerns have been raised over security at a listed derelict building in Alloa, where a youngster was rescued from a low roof by emergency services last week.

Youths gaining access, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and a potential fire are all issues at the decrepit Greenfield House site, according to the community and local representatives.

Fresh concerns were recently shared at a meeting of Alloa Community Council by local history enthusiast Robert Dingwall.

He said: “If action is not taken soon, Greenfield House, an iconic landmark on Alloa’s landscape, will disappear.

“So far nothing has been done to develop the former council offices.”

Last Monday, July 2, a teenager was rescued from “6ft off the ground” on part of the building by police and fire officials and while this latest incident was not connected to youth disorder, it highlights the security concerns.

The former council offices were sold around three years ago to new owners Kapital Residential Ltd with plans to convert it into sheltered housing already greenlighted.

However, the building remains disused and the community council has called a special meeting for this Friday, July 13, to hear further issues residents may have.

It will take place at the OPW Hall on Erskine Street, starting at 7pm on the night.

Jennie Syme, chair of the community council, said: “Alloa Community Council have grave concerns over the safety, security and future of Greenfield House.

“We do not believe that the current Heras fencing around the site is enough to deter people breaking in.

“Understandably residents of Hill Street have concerns about Greenfield House being prone to fire and how this would impact on their properties and if anyone was inside.”

The community council, like many other interested parties, found efforts to get answers from the developers were fruitless.

Indeed, the Advertiser eventually managed to make contact with the company’s Kinross office, but no statements were forthcoming before going to print.

Councillor Kenny Earle was first to share residents’ concerns last October and complaints have continued since then.

Many are hoping to see the council taking action, but the building is not in a bad enough state to warrant legal action.

If an enforcement notice was served regardless, the public could be picking the bill up for a potentially successful legal challenge.

Cllr Earle said: “The bottom line with this property is: yes – it is getting into a poor state, but it has been checked out to see if it could be considered to be in a dangerous condition.”

However, until all the boxes have been ticked, the council’s hands remain tied.

On the other hand, Cllr Earle said that the company may now be looking to recruit a guard or guards to watch over the building.

MSP Keith Brown also shares the concerns and is contacting the council as well as the developers to find a resolution.

He said: “It is clear that there are some concerns about the current state of Greenfield House and the risks that this may pose to the public.”