PARENTS in north Hull have hit back at claims that children who use a toddlers' play park are making a woman's life a misery.
Margaret Thomas, 65, says she is unfairly being branded a killjoy by some parents of children who use the park, which is meant for toddlers, next to her home.
Following the front page of Saturday's Mail, residents have replied to Ms Thomas's suggestion that "a gang of screaming kids" is making her life a misery.
Last night, Ms Thomas, of Tudor Drive, insisted she did not want a neighbourhood dispute and made it clear that she had not named any individual family.
Tony Swaby, 66, has lived in Tudor Drive for more than 20 years and believes there is no problem with noise from the park.
Mr Swaby said: "My grandchildren use the park.
"To me, that suggests there is no problem with gangs of screaming kids. It has been blown out of all proportion.
"It's a quiet area. Children should be allowed to use a local park without it causing trouble."
Ms Thomas did not name any individual child, but some residents believe their children have been tarred by the same brush because many use the park.
Mr Swaby's son, Paul Swaby, 41, who also lives in the same street, said: "The park is there for use by the local kids.
"They're lovely, mild-mannered children.
"Children learn valuable life skills and make friends when they are outside playing with each other.
"There is genuinely no issue with gangs of wild children in Tudor Drive and the children should be allowed to carry on playing and being children."
Mr Swaby said he visited the park on Saturday to see if Ms Thomas had a valid point.
"I monitored the park and it was only occupied for three hours that day," he said. "It's a sad day if someone can't put up with a bit of noise from kids playing for three hours, especially when they live next to a park."
Readers took to the Mail's website to express views on the subject, with some believing Ms Thomas had a right to expect peace and quiet in her own home.
However, others said children playing did not constitute noise pollution.
Another parent said: "My children are very well- behaved.
"Yes, I can hear them playing as I live close to the park.
"Yes, it sometimes stops my husband sleeping, as he works nights.
"However, the ice cream man, birds and neighbours cutting grass have the same effect."
In response to the reaction to the original story, Ms Thomas said: "At no time have I said the children should not play outside. It's the noise that is the problem because it is not controlled.
"My complaint is against the council and their non-action, not any particular family."
In a statement issued on Friday, Hull City Council confirmed officers had visited Ms Thomas's home on 36 occasions, however, they did not consider the noise levels warranted further action.
Have you seen our new homepage?Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk for the very best and exclusive local content.
