A mother with two small children says they cannot play outside in the garden because it is unsafe and drug users’ syringes have been found there.
Council tenant Robyn Kerwin was moved from a homeless unit to St Ninian Terrace along with her children Alan, three, and Miya, one, but they have spent the summer locked inside because the garden is so badly overgrown.
When she viewed the house, on May 27, a neighbour showed Robyn two needles that had been found in the garden but she was assured the problem would be sorted before the young family moved in on June 3.
The council’s rapid response team, which tackles drug litter, did come round initially to remove some of the rubbish but Robyn says the grass is so high she cannot be sure there are not more syringes.
Robyn said the children still cannot play outside because it is dangerous and she has been left frustrated by weeks of excuses and empty promises.
She said: “If we have found one needle there are bound to be more. Apparently it was a junkie’s house before.
“I can’t be sure it is safe because the grass is so high. If the kids were sat in the garden I wouldn’t be able to see them at all because the grass is that long.”
Robyn added: “I would pay someone to come round and clean it but I don’t want to put anyone else at risk. Before we moved in we were all really excited to have a garden but I was disappointed when I saw it had not been done.
“I thought I would give them another week because I’m sure they are busy but now it has got to the stage where the kids are running about the house or left bored playing in their rooms instead of going outside on a nice day.
“It has started to really upset me. My son is quite energetic and he is not happy sat watching TV or playing computer games. He wants to get outside and play.”
Robyn said after the first time she was promised something would be done she told the children they could all enjoy a barbecue to celebrate but they were left disappointed.
She said: “I just feel like the council don’t care. Every time I phone I get palmed off with excuses and transferred through to different departments.”
Grandmother Kate Kerwin said now her daughter has moved in there doesn’t seem to be any hurry about clearing the garden.
She said: “It is really worrying. We don’t know what’s in there.”
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “The syringes were picked up and safely disposed of when they were reported, and the grass cutting has been ordered.
“It is a busy time of year but the garden will be done as soon as possible.”