Should kids be free to play in the street?
The Rutherglen Reformer’s article about young people being threatened by police for playing ball games in the street set tongues wagging last Wednesday.
The Reformer hit the streets of Burnside to ask residents whether or not young people should be free to play in the residential area where they live.
Most people said they are happy to see children out playing, providing they are not being reckless.
Caroline Richardson said: “I had this problem with my sons years ago. People were complaining about them playing football. I phoned the community police officer who said they can play anywhere with the ball. Back then it was older people who just didn’t want young people around.
“I think there are too many kids inside playing on computers. They need to be out playing on the grass and in the fresh air.
“We have two wee boys who play outside my house now, it’s nice to see.”
Heather McCrear, who was visiting friends and family in Rutherglen, said: “It depends on what they are doing. If they are bouncing a ball off my window that’s a problem, but otherwise that’s what kids do.
“We are either moaning they are playing on Playstations and laptops and if they are outside we are still moaning.”
Diane Colquhoun, whose seven-year-old son plays outside his home in Fernhill, said: “As long as they are not destroying the place, it’s fine to be playing the usual kid games.”
Bill Simpson, from Burnside said: “I don’t think there’s enough of it.
“I spent all of my young days playing football in the street.
“There’s far too many inside on play stations, they should be out playing.”
As long as they are not destroying the place, its fine to be playing the usual kids games Diane Colquhoun