Newcastle’s parks plagued by debauchery

Since an article appeared outlining some of the problems at the Crawford Street Park, a number of residents have come forward to air their concerns about both this park and that of Ebony Street.

“It’s a big problem. Last year we had people partying until the early hours of the morning, making too much noise,” says one Ebony Street resident.

The result of continued ‘festivity’ at the park has left it in a state of ruin: broken equipment, smashed bottles and discarded refuse.

Residents have stopped allowing their children to play there.

Another homeowner describes ongoings at the park as filthy business, having witnessed drinking, drug-taking and sexual acts in plain sight.

“I had times when I went to the park at 2am to ask the people to turn down their music.”

He says problems began when youths began parking their cars in the park, after the perimeter fencing was stolen overnight.

Keeping quiet about the park problems has solved nothing.

“We don’t make a racket outside their houses so why must we endure it?”

Residents say noise, debris and destruction from revellers dates back months and even years, with the matter taken up by the Newcastle Ratepayers Association (NRA).

The association even wrote to the municipality in June last year.

An email from NRA Chairman Chris le Roux expresses disappointment that municipal officials cast blame on society for park problems, instead of admitting to ‘shirking responsibility to attend to the matter immediately when it is reported’.

“The fact that fences had not been replaced due to ‘competing priorities’ is a clear indication that management dismally failed in its responsibilities.”

This letter was reportedly not answered or acknowledged.

ALSO READ: Theft and vandalism leave Crawford Street Park in ruins

In an official response by municipal Head of Communications Dr Dumisani Thabethe, he admits there is little the municipality can do to protect park facilities.

He blames budget constraints for this.

Addressing the theft of fencing at Crawford Street Park in particular, Dr Thabethe said security guards would be posted on a 24-hour basis if the budget allowed for such.

“Local play parks are to the benefit of the communities. We therefore request local people to look after their equipment.”

Residents are not convinced.

One homeowner residing near Crawford Street Park claims there is no maintenance of equipment and also many incidences of noise pollution and public nuisance.

He says the streets are often treated like a race track.

Contacting both the municipality seems to have little effect, and although officials listen they fail to act upon the concerns of residents.

“It is pointless erecting a sign with rules if they are not enforced. Fine people for unruly behaviour or not adhering to the rules. There is no control and that is why the parks are in the state they are in,” he concludes.

ALSO READ: Eco-Park fence has been nabbed by thieves

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