Falkirk town centre car park forced to close

Today (Friday) tape was put across the entrance of Callendar Square car park to prohibit it from use.

Nearby businesses welcomed the move with one owner saying "something had to be done" after cars had been struck and windows smashed by youths hurling objects from the roof of the building.

The car park was once attached to Callendar Square Shopping Centre, which has now been demolished.

But since the shopping centre's closure, the condition of the car park has caused increasing concern.

Local youths have reportedly been taking the rubbish that has been dumped and setting fire to it or throwing it off the roof

One business owner, who did not want to be named, said that youngsters have been throwing bricks as well as other rubbish, including pots of paint and even a chainsaw just last week.

"There's been stuff dumped all over the place and there have been fires started so it's becoming a hazard," he said.

"I don't necessarily want to see it shut down because it could be useful but something has to be done.

"Whether they fix it up or whether they knock it down, something needs to be done."

His business has seen five windows being smashed and others in the area have also been badly affected.

Today, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service served a prohibition notice on the building.

Numerous fires have reportedly been set in the building and it is understood the fire alarm is not working and fire doors have been blocked off.

Stairs in the building have also been badly damaged and are impassable in some places.

A spokesperson for Falkirk Delivers said they have been working closely with the Fire Service, Police Scotland and Falkirk Council as more and more concerns were raised about the condition of the building.

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “We have been in contact with those responsible for the operation of the Callendar Square Car Park after concerns were raised about the condition of parts of the building.

“Council officers attended the site today and have been advised that work is being taken forward to address areas requiring urgent attention, including glass and window frames. We have also been advised that clean-up work is also due to begin.

“Further work, including boarding up and repairs to stairwells, is expected to start on Monday.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and remain in regular contact with those responsible for the building's operation.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment.