A DUNDEE councillor last night said members of the public should not allow themselves to be intimidated by crowds of youngsters roaming the city’s Baxter Park.

Tayside Police were called to the community park at the weekend to disperse a group of more than 50 youths congregating in the area.

As officers arrived, dozens of youngsters scattered and officers seized more than 15 litres of cider and numerous bottles of lager.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested for breach of the peace, following further inquiries in the area.

Maryfield councillor Elizabeth Fordyce said the large number of youngsters regularly gathering in the recently renovated park has not prompted any complaints from residents.

She said she believes the lack of youth facilities in the area may be the key reason behind teenagers flocking to the park.

Councillor Fordyce said, “I have received no complaints about them being there from local residents. I am well aware some young people congregate in the park and we have had some under-age drinking.

“These young people do not have any place that they can say is specifically theirs, like a community social area. They do have football at the nearby DISC and some of them go to a project in Boomerang Hall another night of the week but they do not have a dedicated youth centre or a place they can actually call theirs.”

The councillor said she held a surgery on Saturday mornings at Baxter Park if residents want to talk to her about the situation.

Although she is aware some residents may be reluctant to go into the community park when large groups of youths are present, councillor Fordyce insists the facility is available for everyone to enjoy.

She added, “I would agree that a big number of young people in one place can be intimidating to some, but sometimes it is only if you let them intimidate you—the majority of the groups are not causing much bother.

“I don’t think anyone should feel like they are prevented from going into the park. If people are going into the park and getting abuse, they should phone the police or myself as there are steps to take to prevent this.”

Councillor Fordyce also claimed the employment of park rangers in the area could deter any anti-social behaviour in the future and prevent fears the park is no longer safe for nearby residents.