‘Our kids are not trouble’

Saturday 10th May 2008, 9:29AM BST.

THREE mothers have defended their children’s right to play freely after claims of abuse by a Clairval Estate resident.

Linda Smith, Heidi Nicholls and a third mother who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of a backlash, said claims by Alan Lowndes that his family was being victimised by teenagers were one-sided.

Mr Lowndes, 43, accused children living on the estate of smashing glass bottles, breaking his gate and kicking a football against his windows. But Mrs Smith, 47, who has two teenage daughters and a 21-year-old, said Mr Lowndes had provoked the children.

‘We had eggs thrown at our car by him and we have proof it was him,’ she said. ‘No one else has a problem with our children on the estate.’