A leading housebuilder has apologised for installing a Residents Only sign at a Perth playpark following complaints that the swings and slides were being used by “children from social housing”.
The offending notice at the new £1 billion Bertha Park estate has caused outrage among parents, who claimed it was hurtful and prejudicial to local families.
It was erected by factoring firm Screen Autumn, which maintains the estate – a mix of private and affordable homes – for developer Springfield Properties.
Homeowners were consulted about the sign in advance, and told that it would let people know the park was “for residents use only”.
Questioned about the wording, a senior member of staff at Screen Autumn told one mum in an email: “We have opted to include this due to the overwhelming number of complaints we have been receiving regarding children from the high school and children from social housing using the park, which is owned by and maintained on behalf of residents.”
Springfield has now apologised and agreed to take down the sign after an approach by The Courier.
Bosses accepted the sign had led to some residents “feeling unwelcome” and said its aims “had not been communicated effectively.”
Children shouldn’t feel like they are not allowed at playpark, says resident
Mother-of-four Nic Crossley said: “It makes me so sad. I don’t want a kid from social housing seeing this sign and feeling like they’re not allowed to play there.”
She said: “Bertha Park is a brand new estate, there’s nothing else here.
“It might be fair play if there was a park attached to the social housing, but there isn’t. The nearest other park is probably a 20 or 30 minute walk away.”
Nic said she couldn’t understand why Screen Autumn had received complaints about children using the park.
“The community here is lovely and the kids seem very welcoming and polite,” she said.
“I’ve seen no empty beer bottles or graffiti since we arrived in September.”
E-mail branded ‘disgusting’
Another mum, who lives in the affordable housing part of the site, said: “I felt upset and angry. The sign itself isn’t as offensive as the email.
“The email clearly states social housing residents should not be using the park, which is disgusting.”
She said: “We also pay a factoring fee, and this is our home. We are not some kind of monsters.
“We have young children who should be out enjoying the fresh air and exercising, not victimised for whether or not their parents bought their home.”
Screen Autumn did not respond to requests for comment directly, but Springfield released a statement confirming that the sign would be taken down.
Central managing director Peter Matthews said: “We are sorry the ‘residents only’ sign at Bertha Park play park has caused upset and confusion, resulting in some residents of the village feeling unwelcome.
“We installed the sign after hearing concerns from residents of how busy the park had become.
“While in normal circumstances, we would welcome everyone to enjoy our fantastic play park, we felt that a reduction in crowds within the facility at this time would be good practice given wider Covid-19 guidance on social distancing.”
He added: “Our intention has not been communicated effectively and I can confirm the sign will be removed.”
Mr Matthews confirmed: “Every child is welcome at Bertha Park play park.”
