New squatter camp in CBD?
The shanty appeared virtually overnight, bringing not only four unknown men to the area, but also several other concerns.
“If we leave it, how long will it take for others to move in?”
Residents living in the old railway houses in Murchison Street, are concerned an informal settlement could be formed in the CBD, after a shack was recently erected on vacant land.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the shanty appeared virtually overnight, bringing not only four unknown men to the area, but also several other concerns.
“They have a herd of cows that stroll around the area grazing, and this is totally unacceptable. Also, they have dogs roaming the streets at night and our dogs kept in our yards go mad. We are kept up all night by the dogs’ barking,” a resident fumed.
The occupants of the shack couldn’t explain their presence or whom the cattle belonged to.
With no proper ablution facilities or running water, their presence is no doubt disconcerting.
Newcastle Mayor, Afzul Rehman, has assured the shack would be removed.
