Kayleigh Williams, a mother living in a top-floor flat on Alderman Road in Liverpool, has expressed anger after receiving a letter from her housing association, Sanctuary Housing, instructing her not to allow her son to play in the car park directly below their home. She argues that the car park is the safest area for her seven-year-old son to play, given the limited and hazardous green spaces nearby.
Background and Complaints
Williams supervises her son and his friends as they play in the communal car park at the rear of the flats in Hunts Cross. She claims that the car park is safer than the bordering green areas, which she describes as unsuitable due to an alleygate and a main road surrounding the block. Despite receiving requests to move the children elsewhere, she maintains that the car park is the only viable option.
According to Williams, complaints have been made to Sanctuary Housing alleging that children are damaging cars while playing. However, she denies these claims, stating that her son stays directly under her flat window where she can see him, and that other children climbing over fences may be responsible for any damage. She said: "Someone's complained about the kids playing. We've got green spaces outside but the car park is the safest. I've had a letter from the social housing but nobody else has. They're doing no harm, they're just kids."
Sanctuary Housing's Response
In a letter sent to Williams last month, Sanctuary Housing stated that they had received complaints regarding her son playing in the car park. The letter read: "You have been advised on several occasions you are not to allow your son to play around the car park as it is not a play area. There are green spaces around the area and parks you can take your son to, to play safely and without upsetting other residents. It is not acceptable for you to argue with individuals if you are approached in regard to this situation."
The housing association reminded Williams that under her tenancy agreement, communal facilities like the car park must only be used for their intended purpose. A spokesperson for Sanctuary said: "The safety and wellbeing of all our residents is always our top priority. While we understand that children want to play outside, the car park is busy and in constant use and is not a safe environment for them to do so. There have also been multiple reports of residents' cars and properties being damaged as a result of ball games being played. There are several green spaces and parks in the local area where children can play safely."
Community Impact and Mother's Frustration
Williams has lived in the flat for seven years and had never received complaints until her son started playing in the car park. She noted that no other parents received similar letters. She said: "No other parents have had this letter, just me. They used to just play football, they're only seven they wouldn't know how to damage a car, it's other kids climbing over the fence to get in. I got them into playing kerby there because that's what I used to play as a kid."
The situation highlights tensions between residents over the use of communal spaces, with Williams emphasizing that her son and his friends are simply being children and causing no harm. She feels that the housing association's directive is unfair and fails to consider the lack of safe play areas near her home.
