Row erupts over kids playing in the street
Parents accuse housing association of bullying
Disgusted parents on a Paisley street have accused a housing association of bullying.
The claim comes after Paisley Housing Association ( PHA) issued a letter telling people to call police if they were “concerned” about children playing.
The letter, which was sent to people living in Mull Avenue in Glenburn, said an issue had been reported relating to young children playing on bikes and scooters in the quiet cul-de-sac.
The letter, sent by a housing officer, claimed the bikes and scooters had been left on the pavements and road, causing “obstruction and trip hazard” and stated that a car had been damaged and it was “thought to have been caused by a bike or scooter”.
The letter then goes on to advise residents to call police on 101 or Renfrewshire Wardens Service if they are “concerned by the nature of a child’s behaviour”.
Raging parents on the street have blasted the correspondence, and have accused PHA of bullying parents by sending the letter which contains “hugely exaggerated” claims.
One angry parent, who asked not to be named, said: “This letter from Paisley Housing Association makes their opinion clear and that is that children are not to allowed out to play by telling people to phone police on 101 if kids are out on their bikes.
“These claims are frivolous and hugely exaggerated.
“I am disgusted that the housing officer has allowed themselves to be used as a means of bullying residents with children.”
Other comments in the letter state: “We appreciate that the increase in children playing outdoors is inevitable with the relaxing of Covid- 19 restrictions and the school holidays approaching.
“However, it is important that they are not
I am disgusted that the housing officer has allowed themselves to be used as a means of bullying residents with children
Mull Avenue parent
putting themselves or residents at risk and property should not be damaged as a result of children playing.”
This, however, has also been met with anger as parents feel the letter implies children have no right to be playing outside.
The parent added: “Just now, all you see online is nothing but complaints about the parks being trashed and parents scared to send their children and yet look what happens when you allow your children to play in the street.
“What is a parent meant to do? Make no mistake these claims are bogus, but it shows people will get their false claims out by any means.”
A spokeswoman for PHA said: “I would advise that the matter was raised with us by a resident expressing their concern primarily for the safety of young children due to road traffic.
“We agreed to write to residents in that area to highlight the potential safety issues raised and advise residents on what they should do if they have any concerns.
“If the issues reported to us have been exaggerated by the resident then there is no need for parents to be concerned.
“We just want to ensure that they are aware of the reports.”