Mum's shock at teenager's swearing in town's play area
Thursday, 26th October 2000.
A MOTHER is calling for measures to be taken to protect young children using playgrounds after having to take a two-year-old home because teenagers were swearing and fighting.
Liz Jones, of Chauntry Road, Haverhill, went to the town's recreation ground with friend Melanie Tkaczuk and Mrs Tkaczuk's daughter Courtney, two. Their visit was short-lived because of the behaviour of a group of teenagers in the playground.
Firstly Ms Jones asked one teenage girl to be careful about her offensive language and said she was polite and did control her language for a few minutes. Then a physical confrontation developed with another youth, even though the teenage girl had a little child in her care.
"The last straw was an adult arriving to hear what had been said about her by the teenager in question. Her shouting and language was appalling. We left," said Ms Jones.
"I am well aware teenagers swear and argue, even fight. Surely there is something that can be done to deter such behaviour from our children's playgrounds. Let's help our little children to keep their innocence for a little longer."
Jean English, parks manager for St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said it was very sad these people had stopped a young child using the playground. It was the first incident of its kind which had been reported to her.
She added if Ms Jones contacted her, she would see whether the police and mobile ranger service could carry out checks on playgrounds. She would also investigate Ms Jones' suggestion that a notice could be put up.
Liz Jones, of Chauntry Road, Haverhill, went to the town's recreation ground with friend Melanie Tkaczuk and Mrs Tkaczuk's daughter Courtney, two. Their visit was short-lived because of the behaviour of a group of teenagers in the playground.
Firstly Ms Jones asked one teenage girl to be careful about her offensive language and said she was polite and did control her language for a few minutes. Then a physical confrontation developed with another youth, even though the teenage girl had a little child in her care.
"The last straw was an adult arriving to hear what had been said about her by the teenager in question. Her shouting and language was appalling. We left," said Ms Jones.
"I am well aware teenagers swear and argue, even fight. Surely there is something that can be done to deter such behaviour from our children's playgrounds. Let's help our little children to keep their innocence for a little longer."
Jean English, parks manager for St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said it was very sad these people had stopped a young child using the playground. It was the first incident of its kind which had been reported to her.
She added if Ms Jones contacted her, she would see whether the police and mobile ranger service could carry out checks on playgrounds. She would also investigate Ms Jones' suggestion that a notice could be put up.
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