A Kirkton dog walker believes Dundee City Council’s failure to tend to his community park will lead to an increase in fires.
Frustrated Graham Low feels the administration is refusing to tend to green space surrounding the site of the former Kingspark School because it has decided to build private housing on the land.
Graham, 41, who, along with his neighbours, has campaigned tirelessly against proposals to launch a private development on the site, has grown frustrated by the park’s condition.
The 41-year-old is adamant that the council is purposely allowing the site to become a “jungle” in an attempt to convince locals to use other amenities.
He fears the long grass will lead to a risk of fires and an increase in antisocial behaviour.
His claim follows a recent blaze in the city’s Ashmore Street.
Graham said: “I do think the fires are a direct result of the grass not being cut, but because if you allow your public space to look like waste ground, then people will treat it as waste ground.
“I don’t remember seeing any fires in Fairmuir Park or Charlotte Street.
“I think there’s an increased chance of all kinds of vandalism because people can’t actually use the park.
“What we have now is an overgrown, abandoned brownfield site that people can’t use.”
Graham’s warning comes in the wake of Dundee Labour leader Kevin Keenan suggesting public spending cuts to Dundee City Council’s environmental department could lead to an increase in grass fires.
If you allow your public space to look like waste ground, then people will treat it as waste ground
Mr Keenan has since written to the administration’s chief executive David Martin to seek clarity on the matter.
The Gilburn Road site has been a hot topic of debate since Dundee City Council revealed it intended to build private housing on 75% of the greenspace.
People living close to the park have consistently insisted they have been betrayed and claim the administration promised it would be returned to them after the demolition of the former Kingspark School.
A spokesperson for Dundee City Council said: “In response to discussions with the local community the council is cutting the grass on a part of the site every two weeks during the summer to ensure that there is an area available for leisure activities.”
