MUST READ: Is Paterson Street a ‘sewer of sexual waste’?

Has Paterson Street become a ‘sewer of sexual waste’?

A former municipal official has asked this question, given the state of the sidewalks from one end of the street to the other.

Others are also seeking answers from authorities.

ALSO READ: MUST READ: Paterson Street’s teen prostitute shame

The Newcastle Advertiser has seen a letter from a local business to the police and municipality, in which the numerous problems facing Paterson Street businesses and residents are highlighted.

“For the past 15 years, there has been a problem with prostitutes plying their trade at night… I have contacted the Newcastle police with regards to the problem, but no action from them has ever been forthcoming.”

According to the business, prostitutes lit fires at night with any combustible materials, which often left clouds of smoke, filth and ash behind the next morning.

Of equal concern are the health implications thereof.

Residents and businesses alike expressed concern at the number of used condoms and the abundance of human waste found on the pavements of Paterson Street.

“Urine, faeces and used toilet paper [litter] the pavement causing a stink and the obvious health risk.”

Although Newcastle SAPS failed to respond by the time of going to print, the former official understood policing prostitution was not a simple matter.

READ: PREVIEW: Paterson Street in the spotlight again

However, the lack of CCTV coverage has been queried.

Chief of Security Services for the municipality, Pieter Marais explained the CCTV system was only 20 per cent operational, but was expected to be almost fully restored in July.

This date would coincide with the start of the new financial year.

“Once it’s up and running, we can get the system to between 80 and 90 per cent functional.”

Also remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.