A Dundee councillor has requested a meeting with the company responsible for maintaining a city park that has been blighted by anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Craig Duncan said he was not “having a go” at Greenbelt Energy Ltd (GEL), who look after Sandy Park in Broughty Ferry.
Mr Duncan had previously claimed that company bosses refused to meet him, with the company hitting back by saying the council has done nothing to tackle persistent vandalism at the park.
Sandy Park has had its play equipment vandalised, litter strewn through the green areas and has become overgrown.
Mr Duncan said: “The statement from Greenbelt that we haven’t done anything to stop the anti-social behaviour isn’t quite true.
“I have contacted police and asked the inspector for the area if he can sort police patrols for the park, which he said he would.
“However, I’m not in a position to constantly monitor whether the police are there or not.
“It would really help if Greenbelt will accept my offer to meet on site along with other elected representatives, council officers and police so that we can work towards a solution together.
“I have now e-mailed them again to request a meeting.”
GEL previously explained that taxpayers don’t pay for the maintenance of the park and that all costs are shouldered by the company.
A spokesperson had accused councillors of “scapegoating” the company, which is said to be struggling to pay the costs of repairs after repeated vandalism.
A GEL spokesperson said: “GEL will be very happy to meet with Councillor Duncan, local officials and police to show them in person the atrocious vandalism and littering that is a constant blight to the Sandy Park play area.
“We are again dealing with the very latest attack on play equipment – as always entirely at our own financial expense and with no aid from Dundee City Council.
“GEL are doing our part by constantly clearing litter and repairing equipment: we very much look forward to working together, if this means local authorities will take proactive and positive action to tackle the littering and vandalism.
“This would be a welcome development rather than decrying GEL, who have no powers to stop anti-social behaviour yet always act to mitigate its effects using only our own funds.”
