Coronation Park in ‘festive mood’ and residents are not feeling the cheer

The infamous Coronation Park on McKenzie Street is always in the news for the wrong reasons and this weekend was no exception.

Residents complained that around 50 people packed into the park late on Friday afternoon for a braai and drink session, although residents say notices put up by the municipality, ‘clearly state that no drinking in public is allowed or fires’.

The mess left behind by the party-goers was clear to see on Saturday morning.  However, residents who spoke to the Courier said this did not stop another ‘four car party’ from moving in early on Saturday for another round.  Some people were seen clutching glasses and staggering around before 9am, said one Coronation Street resident.

This was rapidly followed by a tent that was put up on the Pro Nobis side of the park for what appeared to be an official family event.  Residents complained that they had not been consulted and that the loud music generated by the event disturbed their neighbourhood.

A police official told the Courier that drinking in public is no longer a criminal offence ‘and it is up to the municipality to ensure the by-laws are enforced’.