Teenage yobs making Hawick park a no-go area for younger children, say worried parents

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson was approached by constituents angered at the behaviour of bike-riding teenagers at the playpark in Wilton Lodge Park on Monday afternoon.

They were aggressive to younger children, refusing them access to the playpark’s facilities, and responded with abusive language when approached by parents and grandparents, he was told.

Visitors to the town also chose to leave the park because of the intimidating atmosphere, Mr Paterson said.

He fears that the play facility, unveiled in 2017 as part of a £3.64m regeneration of the Victorian park, will become a no-go area for younger children unless action is taken to tackle older yobs.

Mr Paterson has contacted Police Scotland to ask for a police presence there on occasion to reassure younger users.

He said: “I was stopped by some disgruntled grandparents who were extremely angry that their grandchildren and other children who wanted to play with their pals on all the equipment were prevented from doing so because of some teenagers on bikes using all the equipment, while still on their bikes, intimidating youngsters who just wanted to have some fun with their pals.

“There were loads of visitors to the town with it being the bank holiday and they were forced to leave because of the intimidation and the foul language.

“I have suggested that someone from the council go up to the play equipment and see what these children were, and are, being subjected to, especially as they are now going to have to play here because the council is closing play areas near where they live.

“My constituents have assured me they certainly will not be taking their grandchildren back until something is done about these yobs.

“I fear that if the word gets around, we won’t be getting any visitors to the town.”