Father fears for family's safety (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Father fears for family's safety

A CIRENCESTER father says he fears for his two-year-old baby if something is not done about tearaway teenagers on his housing estate.

Philip Kline, 43, who lives in Century Close in The Beeches, has been plagued by troublemakers loitering in a play area behind his house.

He says the space is designed for young families but has been ruined by underage drinkers urinating in the bushes and leaving cigarette butts on the ground.

Mr Kline, who did not wish to be photographed for fear of reprisals, said: "I am at my wit's end. I want to name and shame the council into removing the park.

"We go through hell. We can't sit in the park because of the noise and vandalism which takes place, and the children designed to play in it can't because of the drinking and smoking which goes on there. I fear for the life of my baby child."

Last month Mr Kline called the police after he believed a group of teenage girls vandalised his car by jumping on the bonnet causing £150 of damage.

In a previous incident a box of matches was lit and left on the car. Cirencester police spokesman Matt Ford said: "We are aware there have been some concerns regarding anti-social behaviour in the area and officers are patrolling on a regular basis with a view to keeping this kind of activity to a minimum."

Mr Kline has called for a greater visual police presence on the streets, as well as for Cirencester Town Council to relocate the park.

He has even offered to finance the removal costs of such a relocation, which he says council has refused.

Mr Kline said: "Things haven't been so bad in the last few days probably because of the cold weather.

"But when the summer comes I am concerned the problems will escalate once again and this mustn't happen.

"I have a two-year-old daughter and this isn't the ranting of a madman - this is an issue close to my heart.

"It's not a question of Nimbyism - this shouldn't happen in anybody's backyard."

Town councillor Shirley Alexander, who represents residents in The Beeches, told the Standard she will look into the issue.

She said: "I believe there is a problem and if Mr Kline has written to the town council it will be discussed at our next meeting.

"This is the first I have heard about the particular issue, but I will certainly look into the matter."

If you a victim of anti-social behaviour in a residential area call the Standard newsdesk on 01285 642642. To contact Gloucestershire police call 0845 090 1234.