Protesting parents and children on one of the bars the evening before it was removed by North Norfolk District Council

Bitter row over North Walsham play equipment

Alex Hurrell , Reporter Friday, June 10, 2011
7:00 AM

A bitter argument has broken out in a usually-tranquil north Norfolk community over two eight-foot lengths of wood.

Parents claim the timber - two balance bars - was well-used by their children as part of a popular and much-valued play area.

But a couple whose home was nearest the bars say they had become the focus of anti-social behaviour which was making their lives intolerable.

The long-simmering row reached boiling point this week when North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) took the bars away, causing outrage among families.

The bars were part of five small items of wooden play equipment on an area of grassed open space surrounded by homes off North Walsham’s Birds Road.

Parents say children aged seven to 15 regularly use the grassed area for activities including football, dance routines, singing sessions, chatting and sunbathing.

Mother-of-two Emma Holmes, whose Gigli Close home overlooks the green, said friends who did not live on the estate were jealous that her nine and seven-year-old could play outside with other children in complete safety and within her sight.

Bonny Minton, of Birds Road, said she had first been attracted to the area by seeing trikes, scooters and other children’s toys left on the green while their owners were having tea.

“Obviously everybody thought it was a safe place, where nothing would get stolen,” said Mrs Minton, who has children aged 10 and eight.

Children playing on the green did get noisy, according to Sarah Baxter, of Birds Road, but it was only the natural laughter and excitement of boys and girls. “They’re kids - you expect that. It’s better that they’re out there playing than sitting at their computers getting obese,” added Mrs Baxter, who has a 12-year-old child.

The parents believe NNDC over-reacted by removing the bars in response to the couple’s complaints and to a council questionnaire sent to 22 homes which they claim was unclear, inconclusive and should have been distributed more widely.

“They’ve taken away some of the few things our children get enjoyment from. Why did this couple choose to buy a house next to a play area?” said mother-of-four Odette Britchford, of Wrights Close.

The couple, who asked not to be identified, said they had no problem with the ordinary noise of playing but the bars were attracting up to 16 children and teenagers at a time who would sit on them “shrieking and screeching” for up to two hours, sometimes until 9pm.

“We couldn’t hear our TV and were having to rely on subtitles,” said the wife. “Nobody should be expected to tolerate that. It is anti-social behaviour.”

Her husband stressed that at no stage had they asked for the bars to be removed. They had just wanted them repositioned, away from their home. None of the parents had volunteered to have them outside their property, he added.

Community relationships have deteriorated since April when a heated argument between the couple and a father over his child’s behaviour resulted in the pair dialling 999 because they claimed they were being heavily intimidated.

A police spokesman said: “Groups of young people were gathering at the play equipment which was not being used for its intended purpose.

“Local residents were given the opportunity, by the police and our local authority partners, to comment on proposals to remove or relocate the balance bar. After consideration and taking into account all responses, removal was agreed as the course of action.”

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18 comments

Blimey, there's nothing more self rightous than a slighted parent is there? If ever there was an article that demonstrated the gulf between those with kids and those without, this would be it. One of the problems is all you parents are so used to the kind of noise and aggrevation that accompanies most children that you are astonished whenever anybody pulls you up on it. Sounds to me as this couple just aren't used to living in a child infested neighbourhood and would've been better off elsewhere. You may think your children are beautiful, doesn't mean everybody else in society does!

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frank young

Monday, June 13, 2011
I live on this estate and I genuinely like where I live and get along with every neighbour I have ever made contact with. I feel that it is unfortunate that there are such extremes with this issue—you either sympathise with the couple who have complained or you sympathise with the children and their parents and either side cannot see anything from the other’s perspective. At the end of the day everyone will have to live together and will have to get on. It’s not realistic to expect people to move when there is a problem. It’s also not realistic to think that residents aren’t supposed to protest if the noise levels become too much for them. I have found that the children are very pleasant and generally well-behaved. Yes, sometimes the children play loudly and occasionally leave litter on the green. I’m certainly not condoning excessive noise and litter but I think that comparing this to a silent and pristine neighbourhood where the children don’t go outside and stay in to play is not healthy or ideal either. The couple need to understand that living in such a neighbourhood with family-sized homes, a large central green, and a school around the corner is going to have a large number of children living in the area and there will inevitably be noise. I do not know how the couple asked the children to reduce their noise but I feel that the father’s reaction was most likely excessive given the number of police cars present after the he allegedly threatened them for speaking to his children. Unfortunately I do not believe that there are any innocent parties in this issue and I think both sides have played a part in making the situation so upsetting for everyone involved. My hope is that the neighbourhood can move on and everyone involved can accept a bit of responsibility for ensuring a happy community—not just for one side or the other, but for everyone. As only two out of the five pieces of play equipment were removed, there is still playing equipment for the children to play on, just not in front of the couple’s house. It is probably better that the equipment from in front of the couple’s home was removed rather than relocated. If it had been relocated it may have prevented the green being used for sports games which require an open field without any obstructions. I very much hope that the community can put this all behind them and learn to live together. It was a very nice neighbourhood until I became aware of what was going on and I hope this feeling can be restored. It would benefit everyone if this happened.

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lanco

Monday, June 13, 2011
I live on this estate, and whilst I have no small children anymore, I do have grandchildren who will hopefully be able to play on this area in time. I didn't receive one of the questionaires. How did the council decide who to give them to? It's been suggested that we could all get together and form some sort of residents association, which I will fully support. I'm also keen to explore the possibilty of seeing what funding might be available to have some play equipment installed so that children can continue to benefit from this unique playing area.

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Supernan

Monday, June 13, 2011
Not being a resident of this particular area but having several friends who are, all who have children who make use of this rare facility (in todays society), I cannot but praise the attitude and courtesy of these youngsters. For one person to claim they are creating a disturbance by playing and making a bit of noise beggars belief. In todays modern society it must be a blessing for the residents to have such a marvellous recreation area where their children can play safely within a very short distance of their homes! Perhaps Alex S is an afficianado of victorian morals ie, children should be seen and not heard, sorry but this is the 21st century, these children are our countries future, let them enjoy their childhood while they can in safety and peace.

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Robbo

Saturday, June 11, 2011
i am currently a resident of the estate who does not agree with the things going on lately, and personally dont think the start of this article gave our case justice.it makes it sound as though we are protesting for nothing, where we are actually pleading for the kidz happiness, peace and play area.

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lollipop

Friday, June 10, 2011
What a shame it has come to this. A community should be able to live along side each other and accept each others views. Not to rant very publicly on this website. It seems to be a case of my way and my way only for both the parents and also the couple who requested for the beam to be relocated.

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NWtownie

Friday, June 10, 2011
Where are the Conservatives in all of this? What action are they taking to resolve this?

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anglia_squared

Friday, June 10, 2011
Well Alex S, what a helpful comment that was...... Obviously from someone who has no idea what our community is like here! I have lived on the estate for several years now with my young family and have had no problems whatsoever. I have lived in North Walsham my whole life and even I was surprised when moving here at just how safe it is. Children are out playing and playing nicely! There's no vandalism, no crime, no anti-social behaviour, just nice kids playing like kids deserve to. It's easy to see where your kids are as the green is in the centre of all the houses and there's always parents around and everyone looks out for each other. The kids are polite, they're helpful and yes when they're playing it does get loud, but they're having fun. Surely that's better than kids rooted in front of the tv! The people complaining have done nothing but moan since they moved in around 3 years ago. If they're not complaining about cars being parked (completely legally) on the road, it's about someone going to work too early or someone obstructing their view of the children playing. I think maybe they should have re-thought their choice of property before purchase as they seem to have issues with children and noise, so moving to a property a stones throw from the school and across from a large play area probably wasn't the wisest choice they've made. In response to the 'heated argument' between the pair and a father was because instead of asking the children politely if they would mind being quiet, the children were being shouted out and felt singled out which is totally unfair. I have no doubts that if the children were spoken to like human beings then they would have been a lot more reasonable for the couple. I for one am proud to live here and I look forward to my children getting old enough where they can go out and play with the older children.

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NW Mummy

Friday, June 10, 2011
I can't understand why she moved here in the 1st place, she knew kids belonged to this area plus theres a school just round the corner, If they require peace and quiet why don't they go and move to an old peoples home . I feel so sorry for the kids as they play so fantastically together and I must say i would rather see all kids getting on instead of being indoors stuffing there faces playing on laptops ,ps3s , which could cause putting on loads of weight or causing heart attacks instead of enjoying the exercise. I must admit that i was very happy to see the adults and kids playing rounders on the green last week what a joy but thanks to 1 old woman could not stick the noise it has put a damper on the children. My advice to her is move love if you don't like it.

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ms annoyed

Friday, June 10, 2011
You would assume so wouldn't you! Our children are happy, confident and have a great network of friends which i thank the green for. Our children are able to be children, play with there friends after school and school holidays within the safety of outside their home in the allocated play area in which we overlook. I fell so lucky that i am able to give my children this oppertunity to grow in an envoriment like this. However, since "The Couple" in question arrived there has been nothing but hassle and conflict. Wether is cars, noise or fences! It just seems like that have nothing better to do than sick their nose in other peoples business. The only anti social behaviour i have ever experianced is that of the couple in question pestering other peoples visitors and family about where they park,(which is a public highway and no yellow lines) Taking it upon themselves to feel they have the right to approach our children and shout at them, making 7-15 year olds feel uncomfortable so much so that the even cross the road in case they are approached. Our children are never left to 'get on with things' Us as parents are like all parents are allways aware of what is going on, all children should have the right to play after school If this offends people then why would you move onto a small estate right next to a school, with family 3 and 4 bedroom houses overlooking a playfield. We have never had any problems before and the houses are 10 years old have and seen may familys with children move through and there children have grown up here and all had the oppertunity of the green and made full use of it! Why should our children need the worry in their life that they may not be able to play outside in the grand scheme of things of what is happening in the world!

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A 'Modern Mother'

Friday, June 10, 2011
Alex s thinks you better look at the definition of anti social behaviour because I can’t remember laughter being anti social. The only anti social behaviour that has occurred is that of the couple who would like to remain nameless what a surprise! In my opinion children that are outside playing in a safe environment with parents around the area they can go to with any worries they have and not being turned away is very precious as you can’t say this about many other communities .As for the NNDC what a hash up only sending letters out to a few residents then making a decision on one persons view just shows what my daughters wellbeing and the other children’s mean to you. Hopefully Mr. Cameron has received the letter that has been sent to him and he looks into how this has been dealt with by the council. I hope that more people will view their opinion on this matter

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kev12

Friday, June 10, 2011
Alex S a relative of Carol and Gordon by any chance?

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resi

Friday, June 10, 2011
We read and hear on the media daily of children spending more and more time on their computers stuck indoors not getting enough exercise, from the picture it would appear that the space outside the houses is ideal to allow the kiddies to do exactly that! I can remember when I was growing up coming home from school and playing out almost until it was dark! For these little one's to be able to do that without hanging around the town centre or walking the streets can surely only be a good thing. I say to the kiddies - Go out there, play football, rounders, enjoy the space, enjoy the exercise and run free, since when has kids enjoying themselves become anti social! I'm certain that all the parents on the estate are loving, caring and responsible adults well capable of keeping an eye on the kiddies when they're out playing and developing as young poeple. My suggestion to the couple who complain - Go outside with the kiddies, form a kind relationship with them, embrase them, enjoy them, encourage them, welcome them into your life because as we all know they are our future, who know's they may even invite you to take part in their games, the sound of children's laughter is one of the most wonderful noises in the world.

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johnintorrox

Friday, June 10, 2011
I am a resident of the estae and i do not have any children, In my opinion there is not an anti-social problem on the estate, the children play on the green that is overlooked by the houses just metres away, most of the parents are able to keep watch from their homes, the average age of the children that play on the green is 11,children of this age do not need to be supervised constantly, normally it is only 6 or 7 children playing modern day games with childrens toys, no residents have ever heard any of the kids swear, or behave anti-social in any way. When this couple moved in there was actually a goalpost just in front of the benches with teenagers playing big games of football till late in the evening, yet this couple for some unknown reason did not have a problem with that!!!!! Presently the estate is a much quiter place than when they first moved in, residents accepted that this was a family estate even when it was at it's noisiest when the goalpost was on the green, so i do not see why there is all this hoo ha about children generally playing, i have never heard children scream for two hours, most of the residents feelings are that this couple is hell bent on causing trouble and disrupting the estate, and they seem to enjoy doing so.

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oldbag

Friday, June 10, 2011
I am a resident of the estae and i do not have any children, In my opinion there is not an anti-social problem on the estate, the children play on the green that is overlooked by the houses just metres away, most of the parents are able to keep watch from their homes, the average age of the children that play on the green is 11,children of this age do not need to be supervised constantly, normally it is only 6 or 7 children playing modern day games with childrens toys, no residents have ever heard any of the kids swear, or behave anti-social in any way. When this couple moved in there was actually a goalpost just in front of the benches with teenagers playing big games of football till late in the evening, yet this couple for some unknown reason did not have a problem with that!!!!! Presently the estate is a much quiter place than when they first moved in, residents accepted that this was a family estate even when it was at it's noisiest when the goalpost was on the green, so i do not see why there is all this hoo ha about children generally playing, i have never heard children scream for two hours, most of the residents feelings are that this couple is hell bent on causing trouble and disrupting the estate, and they seem to enjoy doing so.

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oldbag

Friday, June 10, 2011
Thankfully i moved from the area to Norwich a few years back before the unidentified couple moved in!! I would be rather angry myself if this had happened when i lived there. I think all children have the right to play outside their own homes and this is what we miss now living in the city! In the write up it mentioned teenagers being there till up to 9pm! Well i am sure most parents would prefer this than their teenagers "hanging out" in town or where they can't be seen or found??? And as far as i am aware as long as the "noise" is before 11pm then the childrenteenagers are doing nothing wrong!! I dont understand why this couple moved to the house closest to the play area. Im affraid some people just dont like to see children having fun any more and im not surprised they choose not to be identified!!!

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michelle s

Friday, June 10, 2011
Well Alex S that was a very helpful comment..... I have lived on this estate for several years now, much longer than the couple who have been the source of the complaints. In fact my home and my neighbours are closer to the green than the property complaining and we have never had any problem with anti social behaviour here in the time I have lived in the property either. Yes, children do get loud when they're playing, it's to be expected but they're nice kids, ask them politely to keep the noise down and they would! Surely when choosing a new property to live in, if noise and children aren't something you're keen on, moving on an estate that contains a school and a large green maybe shouldn't be your top choice. I too was amazed when moving here about how safe it is. Children go out to play, there's no vandalism, no anti-social behaviour, just nice kids playing outside rather than sitting indoors playing on their games consoles! Although, having this issue with the complaints does seem to have brought the rest of the community much closer together which is great!

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NW Mummy

Friday, June 10, 2011
Anti-social behaviour on the Millfield Estate? Surely not... Perhaps a bit less "modern parenting" (ie leaving your children to do what they want and ignoring any bad behaviour) would have made the area a nicer place to live for everybody. Clearly though, the people interviewed for this article are typical of the current "my kids are never at fault" generation.

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Alex S

Friday, June 10, 2011

Bitter row over North Walsham play equipment

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