A NUMBER of "highly-offensive" sectarian slurs have been scrawled over road signs around Alloa.

Reports were made to the Advertiser and to the police regarding the anti-Catholic messages appearing on signs on the A907 coming into the town.

One resident was left frustrated by the lack of action being taken to remove the offensive language, with the man explaining he felt scared in the town.

They said: “There has been anti-Catholic graffiti on road signs in Alloa for a number of months which has failed to be addressed.

“These messages are highly offensive and cause fear and alarm in the Catholic community.

“ATAT (All T***s are Targets) and KAT (Kill all T***s) can be clearly seen in road signs on the A907 on the road into Alloa.

“Under the new Hate Crime Bill, this would be seen as harassment and threatening behaviours towards a religion and as such, be a criminal act.

“This graffiti should be removed immediately.”

The issues have been reported to Clackmannanshire Council and also to Police Scotland, who both confirmed to the Advertiser that they are aware of the issues and are working to resolve it.

A spokesperson for Clackmannanshire Council said: “We are aware of this graffiti on our road signs and have arranged for its removal.”

Alongside the council taking action, Police Scotland also stated that they will not tolerate any kind of religious harassment.

The police have also encouraged anyone witnessing or experiencing derogatory language should report it to them immediately.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Religious prejudice in any form will not be tolerated.

“Please contact police if you wish to report such an incident via 101.”