Some Transcona area residents say they are growing increasingly frustrated with extra-curricular activities taking place at a nearby high school.

Blair Edgar, who lives near Transcona Collegiate, said students are constantly being disruptive.

He said there have been numerous incidents of  teens speeding along his street and back lane and hanging out in the school parking lot while playing loud music late at night.

"It’s been a problem for four years now. We phone the police but they never catch them," said Edgar, who has lived near the school for seven years.

"The police say talk to the school, and the school says talk to the police. It’s a problem nobody wants to address but they want it to go away."

Edgar said the school should consider building a fence around it’s parking lot and only have it open during school hours so no one can loiter there in the evening.

"Kildonan-East Collegiate closes their parking lot outside of school hours, so why can’t other schools do it?" Edgar said.

Area resident Jerry Rowe, who has lived in the area for 50 years, said the noise and vehicles are often overwhelming.

"It’s a real hangout around here at night," he said. "It’s an ongoing nuisance for us around here."

Wanda McConnell, senior communications co-ordinator for the River East Transcona School Division, said the division is aware of area residents’ concerns.

"Staff are keeping an eye on the parking lot and back lane, and while we can’t monitor the situation continuously we would certainly speak to any student we see speeding or driving recklessly during school hours," McConnell said.

"The school supported the installation of speed bumps in the back lane to deter speeders."

Edgar acknowledged that it’s only a handful of students spending time in the parking lot late at night, but added something needs to be done about the problem.

"I know some of these kids, I see them around. But there’s a few bad apples and it gets to a point you’re frustrated," Edgar said.

"Once I see that gate on there I’ll relax. Until then I can’t. I can barely sleep four hours now."

McConnell said the division has no plans to install a gate at the school.

"The school division considered it and determined it wasn’t feasible," she said.

Edgar said he will consider selling his home if the situation doesn’t improve.

"I just want a quiet neighbourhood, but it isn’t because I have to patrol the parking lot," he said.

"I’m not trying to be a bad guy, I just want people to be aware of a problem that’s going on."

facebook.com/TheHeraldWpg
Twitter: HeraldWPG

adrian.alleyne@canstarnews.com