A bitter neighbour dispute has erupted in a leafy suburb on the outskirts of Dundee after local residents swore at children they claim are terrorising the area.
Parents in Invergowrie say children using the multi-use games area (MUGA) on Errol Road have been unfairly targeted by homeowners who “threatened to slash their footballs” and swore at them.
However a resident, who asked not to be named, has claimed the area is being used by older teenagers engaging in vandalism, anti-social behaviour and drinking.
They said cars have been damaged, bottles thrown into the street and footballs kicked against their fence and into their garden, as well as youngsters climbing onto the roof of their shed.
The parents had been told the pitch would now be closing at 9pm every night as a result of the complaints – but local councillor Douglas Pover said the measure was only a proposal and would not be implemented after the backlash from the community.
That decision has now been welcomed by the parents and the kids, who had been planning to stage a protest at the pitch.
Sarah Mason said: “The MUGA in front of the school is where the kids tend to meet up, chat and play with their friends.
“But some of the residents nearby have sworn at the children and have taken their footballs and threatened to cut them.
“They say kids are being anti-social, but surely this behaviour is more anti-social?
“There will always be some noise if children are playing, but the kids are not causing any trouble, they just like being outside.
“This is Invergowrie not the Gorbals.
“The MUGA gives them a chance to be physically active, which is better than them sitting in front of the TV.
“We are delighted that it will remain open for the kids.”
The Courier visited the area and spoke to neighbours.
A man admitted that he swore at some children, but said that he apologised afterwards.
He explained: “There was a meeting about the concerns of residents in this block.
“At around midnight we’ve got older teenagers hanging around, drinking and throwing bottles.
“We’ve had damage to cars and property on a number of occasions.
“There have also been kids clambering over the fence and sitting on the roof of our shed, as well as kicking footballs repeatedly against the fence and into our garden.
“I did swear at some kids once, but immediately apologised afterwards.
“Some of the language I’ve heard them using is far worse than anything I’ve said.
“There was a slashed ball kicked over the fence recently, but it was not us who cut it.
“We have no problem with kids playing, but there are issues that we feel are impinging on the safety of residents.
“There seems to be no actual plan for the MUGA, it’s just being kept open at all times without supervision.
“Some people are making out that we’re out to spoil the children’s fun, but we’ve had problems with anti-social behaviour for the past two years.”
A Perth and Kinross spokesman said: “The council has been made aware of complaints regarding use the MUGA at Invergowrie Primary School.
“It has been agreed some physical improvements will be made to the MUGA including extending the height of the fence and improved signage.
“Current access arrangements will remain unchanged at this time – the situation will be kept under close review and in time further improvements may be implemented.”
