Calls for more security made following vandalism at Horwood’s Farm

After the municipal property was damaged at Horwood’s Farm, Ward 18 Clr Ald Heather Hart has called for greater security.

A door at one of the park’s ablution facilities was broken.

Hart believes the vagrants live in the open piece of land neighbouring the park near Consalves Avenue.

The damaged door was meant to keep the general public out of the service area of the building.

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Hart believes the vandals broke down the door and gained access to the park’s bathroom facilities through some of the building’s windows, which were left open.

During the visit to the park, Hart told Bedfordview and Edenvale News that the number of security personnel at the facility had also been reduced from three personnel to one.

In Harts’s opinion, the reduction was probably made to reduce costs.

“They kicked down the door to access the bathroom because the main doors had been locked,” said Hart.

“Every week something is vandalised at these bathrooms ranging from mirrors, lights, taps and other objects.”

Following multiple, multidisciplinary operations conducted on the property between Edenvale sports grounds and Consalves Avenue to remove vagrants, Hart said there is no controlling them.

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She said to gain access they or other vandals rip the clear-view fence open.

In light of the most recent vandalism, Hart said she feels totally distraught.

Despite R15m invested into the park to improve it, Hart said many residents don’t feel safe coming to the park alone or during the week.

A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni requesting comment about the vandalism and specifically the reduction in security personnel.

A request for comment was sent on October 11 for comment by October 13. At the time of going to print no comment was received.