PARADISE Sports Grounds are falling into a state of disrepair, with portions of the perimeter walls are broken and empty bottles are scattered everywhere.
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However, vandalism and litter are just two of the problems sports enthusiasts face when going to the grounds.
Mark Jacobs, who runs a neighbourhood watch in the area, said he had noticed a general decline in the condition of the grounds, and in the behaviour of residents who frequented the area.
“It is prolific for drugs, with people going there for the sole purpose of vandalism and taking drugs.”
“The grounds are cleaned by municipal staff, but rampant vandalism remains problematic despite security guards at the grounds,” said Community Services Director for Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries, Vish Govender.
“Unfortunately the walls have been repaired over and over again, and we no longer have funds to repair same. It imperative the community be made aware that acts of vandalism can no longer be catered for in our budget.
Community Services Chief Security Officer, Pieter Marais said the municipality started taking steps to resolve the matter.
“The Newcastle Municipality has adopted a proactive approach by deploying an external security service provider to secure its property against any criminal intent. However, the perimeter wall was damaged prior to the engagement of the security services of the external service provider.”
He explained it was no longer a criminal offence to consume liquor at public places.
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“However, the municipality can place notice boards on the premises to inform the public that alcohol is not allowed to be consumed on the premises. Once this is done, the offender can either be warned, fined, prosecuted, removed or requested to leave the premises.”
This allegedly could be done by imposing specific conditions for visitors to municipal premises in terms of The Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act, Act 53 of 1985.
“We need to ensure that our by-laws prohibit alcohol consumption within recreational facilities to allow for enforcement.”
Mr Marais urged the community to report vandalism immediately to the Security Control Room on 034 328 7857.
He said the municipality was in the process of having a CCTV camera installed at the premises, which would be linked to the municipal CCTV Control Room to record and detect criminal activity.
