AN UMGENI Park family is fed up with the noise and disturbance emanating from an alleged illegal tavern behind Manilla Place.

For months, the family of four has been subjected to loud music, late-night screaming as well as drunken bar brawls throughout the weekends.

“We moved into our new home in September last year and it has been a constant issue since then. We are woken up almost every weekend. It is difficult to get any rest, and then on Monday we are all exhausted. I have two boys who are in school and my husband and I both work,” said the exasperated resident, who did not want to be named.

“In addition to the loud music being played straight through the night, we often hear women screaming, drunken bar fights and glass bottles breaking. It is extremely upsetting, especially for my children,”she added.

What’s more, the frustrated resident alleged that from Christmas to New Year’s Day, the tavern blasted its music all day and night for seven days straight.

“Twice now we have called the police and nothing has been done. They say that they will send a van, but then nothing happens. It is frustrating. We aren’t unreasonable, and wouldn’t mind the music if is was being turned off at a reasonable hour,” she said

The tavern owner has reportedly been arrested by the Greenwood Park SAPS. However police have yet to comment on the issue.

Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said that property owners were first and foremost responsible for the activities on their properties. It is their responsibility to ensure that these activities do not fall outside of their zoning, he added. Ryley also said that land management was required to follow up and take the necessary action.

“Further to this, noise disturbances must be dealt with by Metro Police. If a business has been deemed illegal, then it should be shut down and not allowed to continue. While many role-players have been involved in this matter, the residents in the vicinity continue to suffer and that is not fair. The matter is due to be raised at a meeting with the local community policing forum and police,” he said.

Related articles

Club noise earns residents’ ire

uMhlanga strip club owner fights back