FEARS were expressed today that two Greenock social work offices could be forced to close if costly vandalism isn't stopped.

The offices in Aberfoyle Road, Strone and Nicol Street, Bow Farm, that provide community care services, have been subjected to frequent vandalism by youths aged from about 10 to 15.

Inverclyde Council social work department says it is looking at security measures, including a fence at Strone, but points out the low-level, sloping roof 1980s design of the buildings makes them easy for vandals to get on to roofs and wreak havoc.

Hundreds of roof tiles have been ripped off the buildings and smashed on the ground - in daylight.

The buildings have been broken into and computers stolen and furniture and fittings damaged. There is also a lot of graffiti.

The 40 staff at Strone and 20 at Bow Farm are said to be demoralised and fear their buildings will go the same way as a social work office in Burns Road, Larkfield - up in flames.

The Telegraph was told by social work sources: `The Burns Road building was vandalised week after week. Roof tiles were ripped off and the building was damaged inside. Nothing was done to stop it. The vandals became bolder and finally set it alight.

`There are real worries that the Strone and Bow Farm offices will go exactly the same way.` It was also claimed the police have been slow to react when called out by people who live near the buildings.

One person said: `If the police came right away they would catch the culprits in the act. Sometimes they take ages and the neds get away.` Police Community Safety Inspector Stephen Olej said, however, he was satisfied with the response times to call-outs at the two buildings.

He said: `We have to prioritise our calls.` Social work community care and strategic planning head of service Barbara Billings said: `Even if the offices were forced to close, there would be very little disruption to services.`