PARENTS have been asked to keep their children in check following reports of anti-social behaviour at an over-50s luxury housing park.

Residents of Blunsdon Abbey Park, in North Swindon, have been described as feeling “intimidated” and troublesome youths have been told they should not be “roaming around” the park unaccompanied.

Park bosses over the past few weeks have reported large groups of teenagers loitering in the area, climbing onto the abbey ruins and breaking down access doors.

In a plea to those who live in the surrounding estates, Park Home Life, the company which runs the housing park, earlier this week wrote to residents in a bid to tackle the problem.

The letter reads: “I hope you will recognise that we have not taken the decision to write to you lightly.

“Please would you let your children/teenagers know that the park is private property and that they should not be roaming around it as we really do not want the problem to escalate.

“We do have CCTV in operation which the police have asked us to produce for them so that they can take appropriate action should the situation continue.

“We realise that the Abbey ruins and parkland are an attractive place for teenagers to hang out. But our older residents find this quite intimidating and together with the police we are concerned that someone may get injured.”

A spokesman from the park sought to play down the incident, saying “It’s just kids coming on to the park from the nearby estates”, but declined to provide any further details.

Labour councillor Carol Shelley, who lives in the area, shared a copy of the letter on social media to ensure North Swindon residents are fully aware of the problems.

Explaining her reason for doing so, she said: “People who live at the park are there because they want to enjoy some peace and quiet.

“I think it’s important that we balance the needs of everybody in our community to ensure no one is left feeling isolated. We have families with teenagers and older people who shouldn’t have to deal with anti-social behaviour and I think it’s important for people to be able to live together happily.

“I’m well aware that anti-social behaviour can rear its head from time to time, especially when you have groups of young people who have nothing much to do in the evenings.

“With the nice weather approaching I think it’s important that we all give each other the chance to enjoy it.”

Last week, police officers in Swindon launched a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman from the force has previously warned that “this behaviour will not be tolerated and positive action will be taken should any further incidents occur”.

Residents are advised to contact the police on 101 if they have any incidents of anti-social behaviour to report.