Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Broughty Ferry vandalism fears
THERE are growing fears about a spate of vandalism in Broughty Ferry after a bin was set alight.
Graffiti was spray-painted on the walls of the tennis pavilion on the esplanade and a bin was set on fire on Wednesday evening.
It is the latest in a stream of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area, sparking calls for action.
Local councillor Craig Duncan fears another fire could spread to the derelict pavilion.
He said: “This isn’t the first time a wheelie bin has been set on fire at the pavilion and my fear is it’s only a matter of time before the pavilion itself catches fire from one of these deliberate bin fires. The vandalism at the pavilion is escalating, along with vandalism in general in Broughty Ferry.”
Mr Duncan said that residents in Rugby Terrace, next to the pavilion, were becoming increasingly concerned about vandalism in the area.
He said: “This is a pretty quiet corner at night time and it’s easy for vandals to come here and cause a fair bit of damage without being seen.
“I’d like them to be aware that we are on to this and they will be caught if they continue to come here and cause further damage.”
A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed they were called to reports of a wheelie bin on fire at the pavilion just before 8pm.
A spokeswoman said: “One fire appliance attended and firefighters using a hose reel jet took about 20 minutes to extinguish the fire.”
Mr Duncan has previously called on Dundee City Council to let out the pavilion or demolish it completely to prevent it becoming an anti-social behaviour hotspot.
There have been tentative inquiries from local groups and businesses interested in taking over the pavilion, however so far none of these has come to fruition.
Mr Duncan said: “I have asked the council before what’s happening with the pavilion and I’ve asked them again after these latest attacks what the plans are for it.”