Footballing youths ‘running amok’ say Edlington residents

The Doncaster Kicks session run by Doncaster Rovers at Edlington Victoria Primary School runs on Friday and Saturday evenings.

But the main school gates remain locked as players arrive, forcing them to use a back gate near houses.

There, some boys harass neighbours with stone-throwing, graffiti, trespassing in gardens and public urination, residents said.

David Britton, whose house backs on to the playing fields, said he wanted to see action taken to curb the nuisance, which has gone on since last October.

He has photographed and filmed anti-social and destructive behaviour around the sports sessions.

David said football coaches did nothing to try and rein the unruly players in.

He and neighbours have pored over planning documents and made their objections at council meetings - but the sessions and the trouble continue, he said.

“This scheme is totally mismanaged,” said David. “In fact it’s a complete shambles.

“We’re suffering because they’re using this back gate near people’s homes, to save money on a caretaker.

“Big groups of kids turn up early for the sessions and mess about using absolutely foul, aggressive language.

“But when I contacted the school, all I got were bad attitudes.”

The Weekender called the school about the locked front gate, but staff declined to comment.

David has emailed Edlington representatives Cllr Phil Cole and Cllr Elsie Butler, but said their replies had dried up.

“It’s really very simple - they just have to open the main school gates and they would fix this problem,” he said.

The scheme is run by Doncaster Rovers Community Foundation - the football club’s community outreach arm.

Council documents show that the foundation started running sessions on Saturday nights when their planning permission did not allow it.

A retrospective extension of hours was opposed by three of the school’s neighbours - including David -but councillors passed it anyway.

“They steamrollered it through being very selfish and not considering the disruption it causes,” he said. “Residents just want some peace and quiet.”

David said he and his neighbours regularly called the police to deal with out-of-control kids.

“These kids throw bricks and break things,” he said. “We call the police when it’s going off but it’s shameful how we’re treated.”

Liam Scully, Club Doncaster Foundation’s chief executive, said: “The sessions are a valuable diversion where anti-social behaviour, drinking and criminal damage would normally be at a peak.

“Our coaches are experienced in working with young people and have the relevant skills and permissions to deliver these sessions at all times.

“They reinforce the importance of respect to local properties and support quick dispersal at the end of each session.

“We have liaised closely with Doncaster Council and police to investigate complaints, but have been unable to gather any evidence to take action other than to reinforce our expectations.

“Figures show that programmes like Kicks have a positive impact on society by providing a diversion from anti-social behaviour at an early stage.”

South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Officers are aware of the reported antisocial behaviour incidents on Victoria Road.

“Extra police patrols have been conducted in the area when it is reported the issues  are more prevalent and officers are working with the council and the community to ensure any problems are effectively dealt with.”