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Cruel crooks have been charging children £1 - to use a PUBLIC playpark.

The gang have been standing at the gates of the free-to-use, council-run park

and demanding the payment before kids can get inside.

The suspects, believed to be linked to the travelling community, have also intimidated drivers trying to use a nearby car park, demanding £1 from those turning up to enjoy the recent sunny spell.

Last night, locals in Stevenston, Ayrshire, demanded action to tackle the chancers operating at the town’s beachfront, the Daily Record reported .

One mum whose children use the playpark said: “Parents in the area have been told that they cannot use the park unless we pay an entrance fee. This is extortion and should not be allowed to continue.

“The gang arrive and, in some cases, park right up against the local Ardeer Primary. The school’s sports day is coming up soon and I know some parents are very concerned and will not let their kids attend if this sort of problem isn’t dealt with.”

Councillor Jim Montgomerie – who represents the Stevenston area on North Ayrshire Council – said the gang were linked to a group of travellers who have set up camp in the town. He said: “I’ve had numerous complaints from people in the Ardeer area of Stevenston regarding their

children being asked by men for money to play in the swingpark near the beach.

“This is scandalous and must be stopped. I have asked council officials to take immediate action.”

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When some parents attempted to tackle the crooks over the charges, they claim they were met with threats of violence.

Ian Cassidy, 60, a volunteer who helps keep the 63-acre beach park site clean and tidy, revealed he’d been threatened .

Ian said: “I respect and understand that everybody should have the right to live somewhere but when you’re told your home is going to be

petrol-bombed, something has to be done. It’s a police matter.”

A 72-year-old gran whose house faces the Stevenston beachfront added: “This is now open intimidation.

“They tell us that we cannot use the facilities unless we pay them money for the privilege.

“This is our park and they have no right to take over. Somebody has to get a grip of this situation.”

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A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council refused to comment on the allegations of payments being demanded for the playpark and car park.

However, on concerns over travelling people being involved, he said: “The council taked its responsibilities regarding gypsy/travellers seriously and its policy seeks to strike a balance between the needs and legitimate expectations of members of the settled community and gypsy/travellers.

“Our gypsy traveller encampment officer was notified that two encampments have been set up at Stevenston beach and notice will be served on these.”