Petition sparks action

Clr Mary Goby met with Metrorail officials on Tuesday, April 8, at the Benoni Railway Station, weeks after the petition was submitted.

The petition, which carries over 680 signatures, asks officials to address the issue of poor fencing, uncut grass near the railway line and poor lighting.

Residents said the flimsy fencing and lack of illumination has lead to crime in the area, with criminals using the railway as an entry and exit point into and out of properties.

Goby said the following issues were discussed at the feedback meeting:

•  Grass has been cut on the railway line from the tennis courts (Lakefield) up to Avenue Station.
•  The grass on the railway line embankment proved a challenge and they are looking at ways to resolve this.
•  Their budget allows the grass to be cut only twice a year.
•  They have put poison on some indigenous plants.
•  Fencing repairs will be done in the next few weeks in Surrey Street, Newton Avenue, Brayton Avenue and Durham Street.
•  Metrorail are looking at redoing the whole fence at Woburn Avenue, if the budget allows.
•  Metrorail want to replace the missing fence, from Lanyon Road to Bunyan Street and beyond.
•  Metrorail is engaging council to have more lights erected in the area.
•  The line is not a high security risk in that no cable theft occurs.
•  Metrorail will investigate the rail reserve and give feedback, as there is confusion with council on whose area is whose.

Goby said the progress thus far has been fantastic.

She will follow up on the progress.