A resident of a quiet Ayrshire village claims kids living in a nearby children's unit have disrupted the tranquility of the area by allegedly spouting verbal abuse and vandalising property.
Greenview children's unit opened in the converted former Fergushill Church in the village of Benslie, just outside Kilwinning, last year but the upset resident says neighbours were not consulted.
The concerned neighbour said: "The verbal abuse started, for me, at the start of August. I was walking my dog past the former church and a group of kids were at the front door and one started shouting abuse at me.
"I was too scared to walk back that way so I had to call my husband to come to pick me up and later we called the police.
"One of the adults who work at the unit witnessed it all but it was clear they didn't do anything about it.
"We discussed it with our neighbours and discovered we weren't the first to have these issues. I've been catcalled and another neighbour was walking past the church when a child shouted 'what the f*** are you looking at?'
"Another one of our neighbours had their property vandalised with shaving foam."
Police were called on Sunday, September 4 after neighbours reported the unit for a noise complaint.
The concerned resident added: "They were having a big party and were blaring loud music at 2am that ended in an altercation in the street.
"Another time, we witnessed one of the children jumping on the bonnet of a car and then later on another child riding their bike on a 60mph road with no adult supervision.
"Residents can't have their property vandalised or feel intimidated to walk around the village. It was a quiet place and many people here own livestock and other animals and people are worried of more vandalism and abuse. It's horrible.
"And from the staff member we've seen so far, it's clear they couldn't do anything if anything kicked off."
Greenview was given a weak grading by the Care Inspectorate after a surprise visit earlier this year.
The unit can support up to five vulnerable people aged between eight and 18 who have experienced trauma.
Phoenix Abbey, which runs Greenview, refused to comment.
However, a spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Police Scotland is aware of concerns reported at this location and is working with residents and partners towards resolutions.
“We would continue to encourage anyone with concerns in our communities to report via 101 or 999 if urgent.”
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