EDITOR – We regularly walk on Toti beach around 6 am, and often our route takes us along the promenade.
Six weeks ago we noticed a homeless person fast asleep on the cement slab under the traders’ shelters opposite Stella Maris flats.
Since then the number of people sleeping there has increased to eight. These people get up and amble off once the traders arrive, leaving them to clean up their mess.
It is rather concerning to think that this pedestrian thoroughfare is fast becoming a popular haven for the homeless, and it is a problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. We are all hoping for a reduction of crime in our town, but I cannot see how this mushrooming hostel can contribute to that vision in any way.
Although SAPS, Metro Police and security companies regularly patrol the beachfront, they generally stick to routes with vehicle access, thus excluding the promenade and other areas. Surely a thoroughfare such as this should be regularly patrolled as well?
