Children 'tormenting pets' at new housing estate

People living at the Goodsmoor Road development said children had been throwing stones at pets and causing vandalism

Residents at a newly-built social housing estate in Derby have said they feel unsafe due to persistent anti-social behaviour from children.

Complaints have been lodged from people living at Sinfin's Goodsmoor Road development about stone-throwing, vandalism and unsupervised children as young as three roaming the streets.

One parent said she was afraid to leave her home and children had thrown stones at her dog as well as reports of cats being tormented and children playing on nearby railway lines.

Nottingham Community Housing Association, which manages the estate, has written to parents warning them of their responsibilities to make sure children behave.

In the letter, the housing association cites several types of anti-social behaviour, including:

• Damage to property and vehicles

• Children lifting drain covers and placing rocks inside

• Aggressive behaviour and bullying

• Trespassing, including looking through windows

• Unsupervised young children out late

• Interference with bins and plants

Sinfin councillor Sarah Chambers said she was made aware of a "a child seen defecating in the middle of the street" and was investigating.

New resident Cindy Mosley, 57, claimed her granddaughter had been "assaulted" by youngsters and that children were out all the time, even on school nights.

"I am concerned that there are young children, below eight years old, who are allowed to do what they want," she said.

"When you approach the parents nothing is done and we're told 'children will be children'. We are told to keep reporting it but nothing seems to get done."

'Dogs targeted'

One parent, who did not wish to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service there was constant trouble and despite warning letters being sent, the problems remained.

"It's been absolutely horrendous," she said. "They've been trying to throw stones at my dog under the back gate while he is in his own garden. They ring doorbells and knock on windows.

"They are constantly out on the street unless they are at school.

"They are not supervised and you have some as young as three years old roving the streets. I feel quite unsafe, I can't nip over the street without having to lock the door."

The housing association said further action could be taken if behaviour does not improve and Tenancy Breach Warning letters "may be issued to families whose children continue to cause problems".

Guy Stovold, from the association, said: "We have received a number of complaints of anti-social behaviour.

"Our community safety team is working with the police and local authorities to address these concerns."