Barrhead News | News | KIDS BEAT THEIR BAN ON BOUNCING

Saturday, 22nd November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 21st August, 2008 12:30

KIDS BEAT THEIR BAN ON BOUNCING

By Amanda Keenan

A MUM-of-two took on council bosses and won her bid to keep her kids trampoline in their back garden.

Mean council chiefs ordered Nicola McShane, 22, of Manse Court, Barrhead, to take down her childrens favourite toy after a neighbour complained it was causing a disturbance.

Nicola bought the trampoline for daughter Kerry, 5, and son Sean, 2, as a Christmas present and she claims they were ‘distraught’ at the thought of it being taken down.

But determined Nicola took on council bosses at a meeting at East Renfrewshire Council offices on August 4 and she was delighted when she was told the trampoline could stay up - but only under strict conditions.

Nicola said: “I am delighted that the trampoline is staying up and my kids are thrilled.

“I decided to fight the council’s decision because other kids where we stay have trampolines so I felt it was unfair that my children would lose out.

“I am really disappointed at the council’s attitude especially when there are more important issues to be tackled in Barrhead.

“But I am glad I stood my ground because my kids would have been heartbroken if it was taken down.”

Nicola is only allowed to keep the trampoline in the garden if she sticks to strict conditions which include:

- Children are only allowed to play on the trampoline until 8:30pm.

- Trampoline must be taken down in the winter.

Nicola added: “These conditions are just common sense- my kids never play out to that time because they are too young. And it was always my intention to take the trampoline down in the winter so it does not get damaged.

“I am happy that it is behind me now and council bosses are also planning to build a fence between the garden so the trampoline does not disturb anyone.”

A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire council said: “We are always keen to use mediation and negotiation to reach an amicable solution to please as many people as possible. East Renfrewshire Council, Miss McShane and her neighbours have now reached a decision which pleases everyone.”

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