CONCERNS have been raised about the reduction of wildlife due a recently completed construction project in the Cambus area.

The fears come from notable wildlife seemingly having disappeared following the completion of Diageo warehouses.

While it is not possible to directly attribute the loss of wildlife to the development, worries have arisen from a keen wildlife observer, who explained he has noticed a sharp reduction of fauna native to the area and fears the warehouses may be to blame.

However, the drinks giant said careful consideration has been given for the surrounding wildlife before plans proceeded with the local authority adding that the matter was "rigorously considered".

Philip Jones has been going to the Scottish Wildlife Trust centre in Cambus for a number of years and takes many photos of the wildlife there.

“In the last couple of months,” Phillip said. “I have noticed a reduction in the local wildlife and I do believe this is due to the building of the new Diageo warehouses.

“Prior to the construction, I would regularly see the fields full of Canadian geese, shell ducks, lapwings, curlews, deer and the occasional fox.

“It’s worth nothing that lapwings and curlews are ground nesting and could often be seen in the reed pool and in the grounds where the company is building on.”

Lapwings and curlews are currently on the red list, which marks them as endangered species. Phil went on to say they were known to nest in the field that the warehouses were built upon, and in the fields surrounding the project.

The Diageo warehouses also lie close in proximity to Cambus Pools, which Phillip has noted has also seen a decline in wildlife.

Diageo insist that careful consideration for the surrounding wildlife was taken into account before proceeding with the plans.

A spokesperson for Diageo said: “The new warehousing was developed in full compliance with all the relevant planning regulations and consultations with the local authority and organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage.”

The controversial project has drawn criticism previously from residents who feared views of the waterfront and the Wallace Monument would be lost to a block of warehouses.

Concern was also raised when the project was announced due to the site’s vicinity to nearby housing in Cambus, which would see the warehouses be stacked with chemicals used for whisky.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “The development was subject to a planning application assessment that considered this matter in detail.

“A habitat assessment report (HRA) accompanied the planning application and this was subject to consultation with NatureScot and Scottish Wildlife Trust concluding that the development was not likely to have any significant adverse impact on wildlife within the site, which comprised arable fields.

“The council can therefore confirm that the matter of concern was appropriately and rigorously considered as part of the application process.”