An opinion column by Evening Telegraph editor Dave Lord on the recent trouble at Broughty Ferry beach raised many eyebrows this week, including my own.
He has generously allowed me to reply in my role a fairness spokesperson for Dundee City Council.
Right up front I want to say that I do not in any way condone violence or anti-social behaviour by anyone.
But to react as if young people behaving in this way was somehow a new or particularly outrageous activity was just a wee bit over the top.
I grew up in Invergowrie in the 70s and 80s.
At that time it was not uncommon for minor skirmishes to happen over territory that is now the Technology Park. In those days it was a field.
It was the way of the world and it happened all over the city – to the point that there was even a “uniform” to help people identify themselves with their community in the form of jumpers, slogans and signs.
Gary Robertson has written a particularly entertaining and informative book about that period.
Broughty Ferry Beach is for everyone
Since then we’ve come a long way.
A changed Dundee now has the eyes of the world on it, in particular over the space of the last 10 years.
It is on the map as a place to visit for a weekend and enjoy all that we have to offer.
Broughty Ferry and its beautiful beach is part of that experience.
But are we really saying that it is only there for people who live within walking distance of the sand, are visiting from outside the city or are over 18?
What happened during the pandemic has had an impact on us all.
It is a difficult enough time in your life – being on the cusp of adulthood – without being locked in your house, perhaps with younger siblings, maybe with a parent as your teacher, and in some cases coping with the grief of losing someone.
Is it any wonder then, that in this first summer of sunshine and freedom that our young people have had in two years, they want to come together, let off steam and enjoy parts of their city that once would have been inaccessible to them?
Let’s not let the minority ruin it for the majority
It is unfortunate that in some cases this has led to trouble.
Having had long and fruitful discussions with the police I am pleased and relieved that as a general rule the vast majority of young people in the Ferry and the city as a whole, abide by the law and are enjoying their summer.
The police are very much aware of this issue and as well as making arrests where appropriate.
They are more visible in target areas like Broughty Ferry and the city centre and are constantly involved with partners including schools and youth clubs.
It has also been suggested that free buses passes for young people could be linked to what happened in the Ferry on Monday.
Maybe.
But do we really want to take away the opportunity for our young people to get out and about for leisure, study and work in a way that wasn’t available to them before because of a few trouble-makers?
In the past I have often heard about young people being unable to take up jobs as the cost of getting there and back each day was too much.
This week my son set off to his new trainee accountancy role in Forfar using his under-22 bus pass.
I am proud that I live in a country that supports our young people.
I do not see this as being a negative but an incredibly positive move that should be applauded.
Lynne Short is a Dundee councillor.
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