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2nd July 2001
Vansittart Wrecked?
Not all teenagers
are skate boarders!
Vansittart
Rec Index
We have received an email
from a 17 year old, who during June was studying for his exams.
He has complained of the endless noise from nearby, shouting
and banging, and even huge the sound systems and the consistent
loud foul language, often late into the night.
He also describes the daily
degradation of the subway - graffiti, condoms and smashed glass.
He writes: "The subway has always been a pleasant through
way to the shops and town centre for the family. It is now full
of hazards as an extension to the skate site, a perfect haven
for under-age drinking, smoking and I guess experimenting with
drugs. So property vandalism isn't only restricted to the site.
It extends to the entire neighbourhood. Fencing is gradually
getting smashed down along the scouts area and we fear the gardens
along the way will be targeted as well."
Our correspondent also
expresses concern that closure at sunset of the park will make
no difference. It is
true that a so-called 'closed' area continues to be used up to
and beyond midnight on regular occasions.
The children's play area
has also caused concern.
"The choice of building
a little children's play area right next to such a big kids'
play area only serves to show the inexperience of the council.
I can see teenagers messing around in the little ones' area practically
every night. Vansittart is now a scary place to be and even walk
through. Just who'd want to take a picnic there? It is a complete
shambles. Finally, needless to say my parents taxmoney has gone
towards this and at this stage they want redress ie. CLOSURE."
The sentiments expressed
in this teenager's letter will be echoed by other residents.
We are keen to hear from supporters of the project and the ideas
they may have to reduce the reasons for complaint that residents
currently have.
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