Business owners in Queen Street, Kensington, petition for change
KENSINGTON – Queen Street in Kensington is deteriorating and business owners are concerned.
Business owners in Queen Street, Kensington are concerned about the deterioration of the street and recently signed a petition demanding action to address the challenges in the area.
“This long street has interesting finds from lovely restaurants to antique shops but has over the months been having unpleasant experiences.
“As shop owners, we have been noticing a general deterioration of the suburb and surrounds. Kensington has always been one of the grandest of Johannesburg’s suburbs filled with historic landmarks and beautiful greenery,” explained one of the shop owners in Queen Street, Jackie Gerber.
According to business owners, the upkeep of the area has ceased and piles of rubbish on almost every corner are now common.
Drinking establishments have been opened and are alleged to trade late into the night resulting in pavements being littered with broken bottles and blood.
Business owners have been fearing that Queen Street will suffer the same fate as Jules Street in Malvern, which has seen an increase in an unwanted slum-like element.
According to business owners, there has been an increase in violent crimes on Queen Street. Referring to the recent murder of a well-known businessman in Highland Road, Gerber said, “All these elements are affecting our businesses. Customers are no longer wanting to spend the morning strolling down what was once a quiet street filled with character and interesting stores and are forced to shop at impersonal malls.”
Cleveland Police Station’s spokesperson Captain Johan Jordaan said, “Crime, in general, is a problem. [Throughout last year] cases were reported on Queen Street, but it doesn’t mean that crime went out of hand,” explained Jordaan.
On the issue of drinking establishments, Jordaan said, “Queen Street business owners complain about a new restaurant that sold liquor without a licence. The owner was arrested and the liquor was confiscated. He won the case in court and liquor was handed back to him. He does have a licence now.”
He said police vehicles are now patrolling the Cleveland policing area.
“As Cleveland police, we will do everything in our power to assist the community regarding all complaints and will continue to do so,” said Jordaan.
Ward 118 councillor Neuren Pietersen was contacted for comment regarding service delivery; however, no response was received in time, before publication.
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