A BURTON resident has expressed concerns for the safety of local children after problems with parked cars and harmful rubbish.

Dorothy Beevers, 72, said that along with the problem of syringes being left in the defunct bus shelter opposite her home, cars are parking on the verge next to Winkton Field in Salisbury Road, causing a danger to children trying to cross the busy road after playing on the field.

She said she has tried to ask drivers to move from the spot but only received verbal abuse in reply to her requests.

As well as the parking issue, Mrs Beevers said she has also seen people urinating in the concrete bus shelter.

She said: “Ultimately my main concern is for the safety of the local children.

“It is so wonderful that they have somewhere they can go to run around and let off steam, but the danger comes when they have to go home.

“Cars go speeding by at such a speed and if a child cannot see the car then it could be tragic.

“As for the bus shelter, something has to be done about it. It is horrible to look out my window to see someone relieving themselves outside.”

Christchurch Borough Council has pledged to install bollards on the grass verge to prevent cars from parking on there.

And Judith Plumley, head of neighbourhood and environment at the council, said: “We are investigating the incidences of anti-social behaviour at this bus shelter with a view to stopping these unacceptable activities.

“As the council is actively working to retain and return bus services to Burton we would not want to remove any bus shelter which might need to be used in the future.”

Parish council chairperson, Judy Jamieson said: “We take all residents views very seriously and we are delighted that the borough council has plans in hand to address them.”