A PARTNERSHIP has been formed to address the increase in vagrancy in the Morningside area.
According to ward councillor Martin Meyer, increased vagrancy in the area around Avonmore Spar has sparked the need for a joint venture between Metro Police and Paul Williams, group manager of the Kensington Group, which manages Spars, including Avonmore Spar.
“PRASA is running a programme to clear out vagrants living at the railway stations and along the railway lines. As I have three stations and railway lines running right through the ward, this has meant vagrants are moving up into the residential areas, “ said Meyer.
Meyer said vagrants were living in the park at the intersection of Clarence and Problem Mkhize Roads, as well as around Avonmore Spar and on the pavements under overhanging buildings adjacent to the shop. There has also been an increased problem of illegal car guards.
“We have formed a partnership to deal with this as well as the cleanliness of the roads around the centre, as there is a need for more dustbins, something I have asked DSW to address. We are looking at how we can work together to improve these challenges and the idea is to improve maintenance at the park, get new equipment for the park and have it properly fenced, “ said Meyer.
He said he had spoken to the Parks Department to look at the different ways to improve the park, as well as the security at the park.
“Metro clear vagrants out of the park a few times a week, but they come back, “ he said.
Williams said he was pleased to work with the City and Meyer to address these issues.
“We want residents to feel comfortable coming to the store and walking around the area. There are a lot of elderly people who live in the area and are nervous about crime. We need to work together to address the vagrancy and litter problems, “ he said.
