An Ardler resident says his community is in a fight against “disgusting” anti-social behaviour causing havoc in the neighbourhood.
Turnberry Avenue resident, Ron Matchett, 71, has for years complained that damage to the iron fence surrounding the grounds of neighbouring Dundee Crematorium has created a hot-spot for troublesome youths.
Various pockets inside the grounds have been turned into a wasteland with broken bottles, used needles, and abandoned bicycles and shopping trolleys strewn around.
Youths who frequently gather in the spots have egged windows, broken into homes and even set dog waste bins alight.
Having contacted both Sanctuary Scotland, the owners of the social housing complex he stays in, and Dundee Crematorium, Ron says he feels “absolutely nothing” is being done.
He said: “Because they all congregate there, we have had various incidents where the police have had to get involved.
“Some have had their houses broken into and it has gotten that bad that one of our neighbours had to move a couple of months ago after having her windows egged.
“I felt so sorry for her; she was so depressed.
“This used to be a nice quiet scheme when we first moved in but now it’s just disgusting.”
Ron says those living in the housing complex believe that if the fence is made more robust then the youths won’t be able to get into the area and will no longer occupy the grounds.
He said: “They are drinking and shooting drugs in the area and it has to stop. Come the summer, it’s only going to get worse.
“We just want someone to do something as we’re all fed up of getting nowhere every time we bring it up.”
A spokesman for Dundee Crematorium said that, while they acknowledge there is a problem with people drinking within their grounds, the solution is not to reinforce the perimeter.
The spokesman said: “It is our priority to ensure our grounds are a safe place for mourners and that we provide attractive, tranquil surroundings.
“We also place great importance on being a good neighbour to those that live in the vicinity of our facility.
“As with most crematoria and cemeteries, our gates are open at all times to allow visitors to pay respects to their loved ones and the grounds are always accessible.
“Unfortunately, there are occasions when the border fence is vandalised and sometimes we find evidence that people are drinking alcohol within the grounds.
“We have been liaising with the local authorities to find a solution but in our view, erecting a more robust fence would detract from the appearance of the grounds and not act as a deterrent when people can walk through the gates.
“The fence is regularly repaired and our staff, the police and community Wardens all make frequent patrols.
“If anyone sees any suspicious behaviour within our grounds, we would encourage them to contact us or the police.”
A spokesman for Sanctuary Scotland added: “We are aware of the issue and it has been flagged up to the Council and the crematorium.”
