"Eastgateassholes" was set up on networking site Bebo, and describes itself as: "For those who have had enough of the asshole security guards of the Eastgate Centre in Inverness, who think they are so hard and throw people out for no real reason."

The page displays a picture of Falcon Square with the Eastgate shopping centre in the background and lists numerous negative stories and allegations about security guards, posted by disgruntled young people.

Eastgate Centre management was unaware of the web pages until the HN contacted them for comment. Now they are using the internet site to try to contact its creators – listed as "Michael Mandica" and "T.P" – to offer a meeting to discuss the problems.

The site protests about young people being thrown out of the centre in recent months by the security guards for reasons which include "having fun", "pointing at people", "running", "skateboarding" and "helping stop a fight".

Dozens of messages have been left on the site, outlining complaints about the security guards.

"Josh Boa" wrote: "Count yourselves lucky, I got thrown out for a month for falling down the stairs, now that was crazy!"

"Scottish" wrote: "Most of the reasons people get chucked out or banned are fair enough, what annoys me is when I'm just sitting there on the arches and get told to move whilst old people still get to stay. I used to sit there for a bit just to wait for people. What really annoys me is getting chucked out just for standing near people who are acting out of order or even getting the blame for something we did not do. They abuse their powers sometimes.

Some young people have complained that they are being treated unfairly by the security guards at the Eastgate Centre

"I think most of the reasons why everyone mucks around so much is the fact there isn't really a lot for teenagers to do in Inverness, it's fair enough to meet new people in town and stuff. If the council would put more money into decent stuff other than wasting money on new pavements and stuff for tourists there might be more to do."

Don Macleod complained: "I got banned from Eastgate for six months, for kicking a football around in the middle of summer, at Falcon Square. It wasn't even a proper football, like it was a plastic air-filled thingy, what's the worst that could happen with one of those? Certain things I can understand, but they do abuse their power sometimes."

Andy Wade, operations manager at the Eastgate, told the Highland News: "This is the first time we've heard these comments. Our security officers have to keep the Eastgate safe for all shoppers and this means we cannot allow people to play sports in the centre or in Falcon Square.

"We aim to make the centre accessible for everyone and that make sure the environment is clean, safe and enjoyable. We are confident our security officers act in the interests of the public.

"We are also more than happy to talk through issues with individuals if they wish to get in touch."

The centre has now posted a message on the website inviting the disgruntled youngsters to make contact.

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