To assist the community and improve Edenvale, 1610 United is at work to improve the town.
Established last November, the group consists of concerned residents, not aligned to a political party.
“All we want is our town back and to improve it where we can,” explained founder Kerry Hannah.
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“We are not against anybody. As residents, we want the same goal – to restore Edenvale to its former glory.”
According to Hannah, the establishment of 1610 United occurred after she heard about a commune in the Avenues.
Hannah said she had noticed an increase in illegal room rentals and unregulated communes in the Avenues.
“After this happened, I started 1610 United to unite Edenvale residents and stand together and make our voices heard,” said Hannah.
Once formed, the group discovered over 200 places of illegal room rentals in the Avenues alone.
It also received information about waste pickers establishing themselves in local parks and open spaces where illegal dumping is prevalent.
Hannah said the group noticed the degradation of Edenvale’s roads, the condition of the street trees, the lack of road markings and the state of local parks and road islands.
“We were reporting these issues but nothing was being done about it,” said Hannah.
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“We would not stand for this and took it upon ourselves to make a change by meeting with ward councillors and officials in the municipality to restore Edenvale to its former glory.”
Hannah said improving the community gives the group’s members a sense of purpose.
“We all have something to lose if the town gets worse. We have properties; we have to look after our investments and if we do not do it, who will?”
With assistance and sponsorship from like-minded residents and businesses, the group repaired potholes, trimmed trees and will soon start re-painting road markings.
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Recently, with the help and support of an Edenvale business and a local homeowners’ association, 1610 United could repair potholes on Bloekom Avenue.
Hannah said with plans to start re-painting, 1610 is looking for a paint supplier to sponsor road marking paint.
As a volunteer group, 1610 United needs determined and enthusiastic community members ready to make a difference.
She said volunteers help with projects such as clearing vegetation, trimming trees, painting road markings, repairing potholes and fundraising.
Hannah welcomed support from businesses and residents to improve Edenvale.
Contact Hannah on 083 294 0014 or at 1610united@gmail.com for more information or to assist 1610 United.
