MINDLESS vandals have sought to block the flow of a critical outlet at a sewage treatment plant in the Wee County.

Walkers and communities are being urged to report antisocial behaviour to police following vandalism and antisocial behaviour at the Tillicoultry plant.

It comes after an anonymous reader alerted the authorities and the Advertiser to the damage caused at a recently completed outfall for the Tillicoultry Waste Water Treatment Works.

Sandbag protection has been moved to block the flow from the effluent outlet, a critical component of the Scottish Water plant which was installed a couple of months ago, according to a keen walker who frequents the area along the River Devon.

Photos submitted to the Advertiser also show disarray in the area, where a supermarket trolley, chairs and a bicycle have also been discarded in the water.

The reader said there were signs of bonfires lit in the area and large amounts of litter left, along with vandalism to safety fencing.

The reader, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I walk this river path regularly with my dog and have observed a significant increase in evidence of antisocial behaviour over the last two years.

“The safety fencing in particular has been regularly attacked.

“On this stretch of the Devon, I have observed otter and kingfisher in the last year, but with these persons acting in this way in the environment I think it unlikely that they will return.

“There are a large number of people who enjoy this river walk, particularly those who visit the Affinity Stirling Mills Retail Outlet, so it is a valuable local natural amenity.”

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The reader explained that within 48 hours of Scottish Water staff leaving the site following works complete, “the sandbag protection had been moved to barricade the designed flow”.

They added: “The persons involved seem determined to block the effluent egress, including trying to weave willow branches across the grille.”

It is understood the outfall is a critical component of the waste water works as the final point where treated water is returned back to the Devon.

A Scottish Water spokesperson told the Advertiser: “We recently installed a new outfall at Tillicoultry Waste Water Treatment Works to enhance the facility's ability to manage and treat wastewater effectively.

"Unfortunately, there is signs of antisocial behaviour at the outfall on the River Devon. We urge anyone to report antisocial behaviour to the Police to ensure the security and operation of our waste water network."

The debris has been removed since the discovery, according to the local authority.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “It’s very disappointing to hear about damage to our countryside in Clackmannanshire.

"We understand the debris has now been removed."

Police Scotland has been contacted for a response.