CLACKS communities have condemned “dreadful” behaviour after racist graffiti was found in a popular walking spot.

Posting on Facebook last week, the Tillicoultry, Coalsnaughton and Devonside Community Council described how the vile graffiti was found on benches and the footpath of Tillicoultry Glen.

The graffiti was swiftly cleared by Clacks Council and police are now investigating, however the fury felt by those in the community is still clear.

Damian Sherwood Johnson, chairman of the community council, said this has never been an issue before.

“That’s what makes it so horrible in some way,” he said. “We’ve had issues with graffiti and tagging but I’ve lived here for five years and it’s the first racial incident I’ve come across.

“The first hint of anything [racial] and those I’ve talked to have never come across it before.

“It was two separate benches, one of the benches was painted red which we don’t get.”

Damian continued: “It must have been premeditated to a certain extent because you don’t just wander up the glen with pots of paint and [do it on a whim]. It must have been some thought or preparation put into it.”

The community council contacted Clacks Council straight away who arranged for the graffiti to be cleared.

Environment spokesperson Cllr Craig Holden said: “All graffiti is completely unacceptable but it is particularly dreadful to see graffiti of a racist nature.

“If anyone has any information on who may have done this, I would urge them to get in touch with the police.

“Racism has no place in Clackmannanshire.”

The incident is currently being investigated by police who are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers are investigating a vandalism in the Tillicoultry Glen area which was reported to police on Wednesday, July 28.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information should contact officers via 101 and quote crime reference number CF0093650721."