I HAVE lived in Headlands Grove for the past 20 years. When my children were toddlers, I used to take them to the swing park behind Wheeler Avenue/Jefferies Avenue mentioned in your article on Monday.

It has never been well used.

I now walk through there most evenings while I am out walking the dog.

Yes, there are youngsters who gather there and I agree that the residents may feel intimidated. They're noisy, there is drinking and I have seen a couple of lads on a scooter.

But I have to say that they have never caused me a problem at all. Their language is ripe but get any group of teenagers together and I have no doubt that we would all learn a few new words.

I sympathise with the residents but where else in Upper Stratton is there for 15/16-year-olds to go?

Don't you think it's sad that if they want to hang out and socialise with their mates, they have to go to the swings?

I bet that most parks have teenagers hanging around who would prefer not to be there but there is nowhere else to go.

I do not condone anti-social behaviour in any form but why not provide somewhere for this age group rather than slate them as no-hopers?

I think the park would be a lot better if it was well lit, although this won't cure the underlying problem.

The only way to make this better is to find a more attractive alternative for the people that meet there.

Mary Milford

Upper Stratton