Concerns have been expressed for the safety of children who have adopted a burnt-out caravan in Dundee as their “gang hut.”
Vandals set the derelict caravan on Charleston Drive on fire a week ago but it is still in a car park and has become a focal point for curious youngsters.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was “horrified” children as young as seven were playing inside its partially destroyed remains.
“I only live 50 to 60 yards from it and there were a couple of very young children playing in it just five to 10 minutes ago,” said the man on Wednesday.
“Yesterday there was a whole group playing in there and they have been using it as a gang hut since it was set alight on Thursday.”
He added, “I’m very concerned that something is going to happen to them.
“It’s full of sharp edges and who knows how safe the structure is? Any part of the caravan could fall down at any time.”
The man said he was appalled the caravan had not been removed, adding, “It’s a big health and safety issue. There are children in it all the time and I am disgusted it is still there.”
Local councillor Tom Ferguson said it was “worrying” the caravan remained at Charleston Drive and added he would make urgent inquiries as to why it was still there.
He said, “If police could not remove it then it should have at least been made safe or cordoned off.
“The problem is they might think it is already out the way, because of where it is, but it is an eyesore and the residents have to look at it every day.”
Fellow Lochee councillor Bob Duncan, who has been asking police to remove the caravan since it was brought to his attention in May, said, “I am extremely concerned but have been assured the police will remove it.”
No-one from Tayside Police was available on Wednesday to explain why the burnt-out caravan had not been moved.