Attractive street is ignored

The letter below was received from the Newcastle Ratepayers’ Association, and sent to Municipal Manager, Kebone Masange, for his attention by the NRA:

Sir – Finnemore Street in Paradise is probably where the suburb’s name of Paradise originates.

This street could be one of the most attractive streets in Newcastle, that is if the municipality would make some effort to make this happen.

Imagine a picture of well manicured lawns and gently sloping embankments to the water’s edge with people picnicking alongside the river. This is not a pie in the sky, but could become a reality if Council would realise the asset of having a river flowing through our town.

Unfortunately the reality is vastly different. Negligence of the area has allowed the growth of reeds, weeds and invasive vegetation to take over, chocking the river to such an extent that the water cannot even be seen.

Most houses along Finnemore Street can be considered ‘up market’ houses, but the neglect alongside the river which makes perfect screening for criminal activities and for the breeding of mosquitoes, rodents and snakes, will discourage investors/buyers in this area, with the result that the properties along this street lose value.

The Newcastle Ratepayers’ Association therefore, on behalf of not only the residents living in this area, but also for Newcastle’s image, appeal to Council to address the cleaning up of this area as a matter of urgency and to make provision on the budget for the beautification of this area with the vision of doing so along the whole river flowing through our town.

It is hoped that this request will be favourably received by you.

We have forwarded a copy of this letter to the Newcastle Advertiser.

Newcastle Ratepayers’ Association.