IT took eight days to clear the overgrown piece of land on North Crest Primary School. Last month the Parkhill community raised concerns over the dilapidated space.

The ever increasing alien vegetation had begun to creep into neighbouring properties – breaking fences and even preventing one resident from switching on his electric fence.

Rats, snakes and other health risks were also raised.

In response, the school attempted to find a peaceful solution and battled between three potential solutions for several months.

Finally, at the start of the July holiday, the staff were able to execute their plan and focus all of their attention on the problem area. In a matter of eight days the three staff members were able to clear all of the offending vegetation.

“We can now focus on maintaining the area and preventing the situation from reversing to the same state. We have received such positive responses from the community,” said principal, Thami Mkhize.

“Our aim was to find a resolution to the problem and we have achieved just that. We want to thank the community for their patience and understanding,” he added.