Residents want Bilston play area removed because of anti-social behaviour
Drinking, swearing, motorbike racing and racist abuse are just some of the reasons why residents of a Bilston estate want a nearby play area removed by the city council.
Furious residents have asked that the playground on the Duke Park estate be removed due to persistent anti-social behaviour problems. It was built little more than a year ago.
An 85-signature petition has been handed in to Wolverhampton City Council from people living on the estate and the surrounding area. The issue will be discussed at a council meeting on Friday.
Manjinder Bains, who can see the play area from his home, said residents didn't want it built in the first place and trouble has been persistent since it was installed.
He said: "It is a nuisance, having to look out of your window at night and just seeing gangs of young kids drinking, shouting and fighting.
"It doesn't stop, no matter what time of night it is.
"We want it gone, I can't see any other way of solving the problem.
"I have young nieces and nephews who come to visit me and they are the perfect age to be using the facility but I won't take them because it has been overtaken by teenagers.
"We have considered selling up over the last year but the area is getting a reputation now and we won't get the money we should for our home."
The play area was built as part of an agreement with Barratt Homes when plans for the Dukes Park housing estate were accepted by the city council.
Between January 2014 and February 2015, a total of 58 police logs have been recorded at the site, covering claims that groups of young people have vandalised the play area by spraying graffiti, breaking equipment and even driving cars around the land.
The reports state that the young people have also used abusive and racist language towards members of the public, while reports of fighting and intimidation are also recorded.
Actions to reduce the anti-social behaviour have already been taken, with Barratt Homes digging trenches and creating raised areas to prevent vehicles driving over the site and police stepping up foot patrols in the area.
A dome hawk CCTV camera has also been installed in an attempt to help identify any of the youths who may be involved in the trouble.
The petition will be discussed at a council meeting on Friday, where it will be recommended that all households on the estate and local councillors are asked to give their preference over what happens next.
The three outcomes proposed are that the play area is kept in its current state and any sightings of crime or anti-social behaviour are reported to the police and council; that the larger play equipment is replaced with toddler equipment; or that the park is removed and replaced with a green open space for community use.
