BARRHEAD families have slammed housing chiefs after being ordered to remove play equipment from outside their homes. 

Parents living in Centenary Court received a letter from Barrhead Housing Association (BHA) which warned them to clear away toys and a set of goalposts – or face having them binned.

The communal grassy area outside the flats has been used by kids to beat boredom during the ongoing coronavirus crisis but BHA insists the play equipment is a safety hazard and has to go.

Chris Scott, one of the residents at Centenary Court, said he is “absolutely appalled” by the letter.

The sports coach pointed out that, due to the Covid pandemic, children can’t visit their friends’ houses and play like they normally would.

Chris told the Barrhead News: “I have a young son and

 playing with friends at a young age should always be encouraged.

“I was just baffled when I read the letter.”

Property managers BHA took action after complaints were made about play equipment being placed in a “designated common space.”

The letter to residents states: “When the properties were built, there was no requirement to design a play area within the development and there are no safe areas that can be designated for this purpose.

“This letter has been issued to all residents to highlight that no ball games are allowed and that there should be no toys left within communal areas. If you are the owner of the toys and goalpost, please remove all items by Friday, November 27. If these items are not removed, then the Association shall arrange for the items to be removed and dumped.”

Councillor Paul Aitken described BHA’s actions as “absolutely shocking.”

However, a spokeswoman for BHA said: “At no point have we discouraged children from playing and, given the current circumstances, we understand the challenges that families face in keeping younger children occupied.

“Within a few minutes’ walk of the development is Centenary Park, which provides open space for children to play safely without having to consider issues presented by vehicle traffic.”