LENNOXTON – A safe haven for children to relax and make memories quickly transformed into every parents’ nightmare.
Neglected and barren – the current condition of the park in Silwer Street, Lennoxton – has now turned into a makeshift dump site.
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Maintenance of the park is non-existent, as litter can be seen meshed into the surroundings.
Dog faeces spoil the area as the entrance to the park remains accessible to animals.
Bottles, broken and discarded, are strewn on the grounds and on the equipment meant for the enjoyment of children.
The remains of fires are indicative that vagrants have frequented the area as household paraphernalia lay abandoned.
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“This matter will be reported to our cleansing department, residents are encouraged not to dispose their domestic refuse into the park. They are paying for a service which they should be utilizing,” said Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Shunmugam.
“Once the new Council is inaugurated, we would have to look into the issue of updating our bylaws and the matter of enforcement. We appeal to residents to report the defaulters to the municipality.”
Cllr Shunmugam further advised residents to be more conscious of having and sustaining a clean environment.
“Indirectly, it costs the ratepayer as we have to employ more staff to clean up the area,” stressed Cllr Shunmugam.
A proposal to install a municipal skip in that vicinity to avoid the accumulation of litter, also has its consequences.
“Placing skips in this area seldom deter offenders as they throw the litter on the ground and not in the skips,” he concluded.
What do you think of the state of parks in residential areas? Is your park neglected?
Email your stories to newed@caxton.co.za
