Ms Fardell yesterday described a run-in she had with a pair of youths last Friday as they filmed themselves jumping off the Cyril Flood Rotunda.

In a separate incident, one of her staff members yesterday moved on riders who were jumping all over the wooden seats provided on the Church Street and Macquarie Street corner.

Ms Fardell believes the actions of these youths are not only damaging property but also the image of the city.

“I’ve had businesses ringing my office in the last few days and telling me how elderly clients of theirs have nearly been run over by skateboard and scooter riders,” she said.

“It’s not just happening near my office, it’s happening all over the city and the frustrating thing is there is a great facility for these people at the skate park.

“I think it’s good that kids are getting out and being active in the fresh air but it’s a pity they are choosing to hinder our residents when they have a facility to use.

“The chairs and the rotunda were not built for the purpose of being something to jump on with skateboards and scooters.”

Ms Fardell said she had been in contact with Dubbo City Council about the problem but admitted she would also do everything she can to stamp out the problem.

“I spoke to Greg Matthews and Mark Riley briefly before the Anzac Day service on Saturday and they are aware of the concerns I, and many others, have about this issue,” Ms Fardell said.

“Essentially this is a council problem but I will be investigating what can be done about warning parents of their children’s behaviour if they are caught and then perhaps bringing in a punishment for repeat offenders.

“We have done a great job to reduce the crime rates in Dubbo and give the city an image boost but near-misses involving pedestrians and skateboarders isn’t good for our image.

“I have had a number of shopholders contact me and say ‘thank God it’s the end of the school holidays’ because the kids will be at school instead of terrorising the streets.”

ben.walker@ruralpress.com