WORRIED traders in Alloa have voiced safety fears over children running on rooftops in the town centre.

The business owners say such incidents are an "accident waiting to happen" with efforts to stop them proving unsuccessful.

Numerous instances of anti-social behaviour have been reported to police in recent weeks.

In some cases significant damage has been caused on the rooftops of some of the affected stores.

It is understood the youngsters can access the rooftops via the use of fire exists, which cannot be blocked off for safety reasons.

Diane Brown, project manager at Alloa First, said: "Businesses are complaining to us and it's really difficult to do anything because there are a lot of access points for the kids to get up and out onto the roof.

"They're getting through via the residential flats or fire exits that can't be locked and it takes them straight onto the roof.

"We've had reports of kids going up with their bikes which really is just an accident waiting to happen.

"It's a real issue and a real headache for us," she continued. "We're working with police, but it's reached a point where there isn't much more we can do."

Business along the High Street have worked with police and Alloa First to install anti-climb counter measures, but these have been unsuccessful in stopping the youths so far.

One trader, who did not want to be named, added: "They're climbing all over the rooftops and hanging out up there. They're old rooftops up there and it's causing damage.

"The police have been out several times and they have been quite good at responding to us, but it's still going on."

Alloa Community Council has also raised the issue with Forth Valley Police, who looked into the behaviour and sent a letter out to explain what measures would be taken.

The letter, posted on the Alloa Community Council Facebook page, outlined the efforts made by police and the fire service.

It said: "Extensive work has been carried out by police engaging with fire service, business premises and landlords in order to tackle this issue.

"Locks have been purchased for some of the doors in an attempt to cut off the routes in and out of the roofs, however, a number of doors cannot be secured as they form part of the fire escapes for businesses/flats.

"Town centre patrols have been increased with it being added to part of the evening policing plan.

"Request has been sent to both school based officers to have a message sent out on their school communications to parents highlighting the dangers and repercussions of going on the roofs."