Fury at park’s glass menace

Around 50 children were left to play in a park strewn with broken glass late on Monday afternoon, after a weekend binge by local vandals.
Merkland playparkMerkland playpark
Merkland playpark

An irate grandmother who had taken her grandchildren, aged 3 and 5, called the Herald to complain about the “menace” to children – with another woman confirming her story about the health hazard.

The lady, who asked not to be named, said: “When we arrived just before 3pm there were about a dozen parents and maybe 50 kids playing around the swings area at Merkland Park – and broken glass everywhere.

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“I can’t believe it’s been lying there all day, even if it is a holiday Monday.”

“It is obvious youths were drinking here on the Sunday night, smashing bottles everywhere, and the glass was lying in plain view very close to the swings.”

Some parents appeared unaware of the problem while others concluded the playpark wasn’t safe for children and left.

Similar problems were recently reported at a children’s play-park in Milngavie.

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Customer services director said: “Ann Davie said: “Unfortunately East Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Protection Team was not made aware of any issues of antisocial behaviour at Merkland Park over the weekend.

“As soon as a complaint regarding broken glass within the park was received by our contact centre on Monday a Streetscene team was sent to clear the glass.

“Merkland Park is scheduled for twice weekly maintenance which includes litter picking, emptying of bins and a sweeper sent in when possible.

She added: “The majority of people who visit the area, come to enjoy it and do treat it with respect.

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“They use the bins provided or take their litter home, however unfortunately there are those who do not and who drop litter and engage in other forms of antisocial behaviour.

“Now we are aware of the issue, Community Wardens will monitor the area as much as possible and continue to link in with colleagues in Police Scotland.”

Antisocial behaviour should be reported to police on 101. Community Wardens can be contacted on 0300 123 4510.