Trim Park left in a state of disrepair

Devastating conditions at the Trim Park in Allen Street were recently brought to the attention of the Newcastle Sun.

Overgrown grass, broken bottles and litter made residents feel unsafe when visiting the park.

“I cannot stand going there with my family. I am always looking over my shoulder, hoping a criminal doesn’t come running out from the grass,” claimed an anonymous source.

Other residents alleged cars and construction workers were continuously ruining the grass.

Upon investigation, the Newcastle Sun found the concerns to be of truth, and is believed, following the Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival, the park was left in a severe state, with no indications of a recent clean-up.

Equipment in the play area was damaged, rusted and not safe.

Ward 4 Councillor, Bertie Meiring, believed damage to the grass was caused by truck drivers who stopped there and by construction vehicles working on Allen Street.

“I am aware of certain complaints regarding the park in question, and I am currently looking into the conditions at the park. I will try my best to get someone to attend to the park, and have it cleaned as soon as possible,” he added.

Allegedly, taxis and other vehicles park there for hours on end, and overgrown grass compromises security.

Director of Community Services Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries, Vish Govender said the park was cleaned periodically according to the department’s schedule. He claimed the park was part of the Ncandu River development, and funds were being sourced for its upgrade.

“The issue at hand is not how often the park is cleaned, but how often people who use the park do not follow simple rules, like throwing away their litter after they have finished eating or drinking something. People must throw their litter into the bins which are available,” he concluded.