By Chris Marzella

Copyright dailyrecord

Renewed safety fears have been raised over a former office site in Stirling after its car park has become an unauthorised dumping ground. One worried resident has raised the “worsening situation” at the Old Craigforth site and has called for action “before someone is seriously hurt”. The site has become derelict, with hundreds of smashed windows, piles of rubbish fly-tipped in the car park – including hazardous items like old freezers. Manhole covers have also been stolen for scrap. The site, owned by Ambassador Group, was formerly home to M&G (Prudential) before it moved its operations to new offices at Kildean Business Park, a short distance away on the other side of the motorway, back in 2022. Developers Ambassador Group were previously granted planning permission in principle for the 54 hectare site comprising new offices, retail space, residential accommodation, care home, nursery and leisure facilities in July last year. However, worried locals now fear that the firm has “abandoned” the site, with on-site security also seemingly being pulled. One angry resident, who does not wish to be named, said: “Despite planning permission being granted for redevelopment, the site has been left unsecured and is now a major health and safety risk. “Vehicles are driving straight onto the land through open gates to dump large amounts of waste. Fly tipping is now happening almost every couple of days, and the piles are growing. “Manhole covers have been stolen for scrap, leaving open and dangerous drops into excavations across the site. “The site is littered with thousands of broken windows, many with large shards of glass hanging precariously. “Hazardous waste, including old freezers, is being dumped within the site. “The landowner has done little more than loosely position a few Heras panels, which are quickly moved aside, giving constant access to fly tippers.” They added: “This neglect is not just unsightly, it is actively dangerous. A recent example illustrates the lawlessness at the site. A car broke down on the access road and within two days it had been vandalised beyond recognition – windows smashed, panels dented, tyres slashed. This was despite a note being left on the windscreen explaining that it had broken down.” Additionally, the 17th century B-listed building Craigforth House had also become a target for yobs. As the site is privately owned, Stirling Council has no jurisdiction over its management. Stirling North SNP councillor, Jim Thomson, has urged Ambassador Group to inform locals of its plans for the site and accused the firm of “abandoning” it. He said: “I despair at what is going on. “The site has planning permission for commercial and housing development and until earlier this year had on-site security, awaiting a start to development. “The council were made aware of the removal of the security and made efforts to engage with the landowner. “Regrettably, [I believe] the Ambassador Group has decided to abandon the site and this being private land means the council has no power to act. “I urge the owner to let us know what are their plans to develop the site.” The worried resident also claims that the site is now being used by motorbike riders and scrambles within the fenced-off car parks, compounding environmental fears. The Stirling Observer understands that the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has been contacted over hazardous waste dumped at the site. The Ambassador Group has been contacted for comment. Back in June this year, police in Stirling urged youngsters not to put their safety at risk in the “crumbling” site over the summer holidays. Officers said that they had received “regular reports” of anti-social behaviour – including fires – at the derelict site. Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area. The windows at the former offices of the pensions and investments firm had been smashed and much of the building daubed in graffiti and police said a number of fires had been started there. Inspector Steven McCooey, of Stirling’s Randolphfield Police Office, urged parents to speak to children about the dangers at the site. He said: “Over the better weather we have received regular reports of people accessing the site to explore and use the area to engage in anti-social behaviour. “I’m aware the location had been of interest for people keen to explore derelict buildings, however I’m pleased to report this appears to be in decline just now. “Through the state of disrepair, the building is now suffering, it would appear many have deemed the site unsafe and as such we have received less reports of such activities. Officers have also engaged with people in attendance to pass on safety concerns.” He added: “We have however attended several calls relating to anti-social behaviour, with young people putting their, and officers’, safety at risk. “There has been increased reporting of fires on site, wilfully started, and as such investigations are ongoing around these matters alongside Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. “The premises is a derelict building and is not safe, with many aspects now crumbling. The landowners have worked hard to install safety measures through fencing and on-site patrols and are currently working with Stirling Council to progress the development of the land. “Officers attend at the location regularly to support on site security, engaging with people they encounter, and provide relevant safety advice whilst dealing with any criminality. “As we enter into the school holidays, I would encourage parents to speak with their children about the dangers and risks within the area and discourage them from attending.”