TIRED of being surrounded by overgrown grass, members of the Glenpark Neighbourhood Watch took it upon themselves to clear the railway line which has been deserted for nearly a year. The building in the station had also become an eyesore after it had been targeted by vandals on numerous occasions.
But what made the situation unbearable was that criminals were using it to hide and to enter and exit resident’s homes.
The neighbourhood watch was established in the beginning of last year and they have patrollers who volunteer their time to keep the area safe from criminals.
Sharman Collins from the Glenpark Neighbourhood Watch said they have tried numerous times to get the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) on board.
“Even early last year, we had to gather as a community to clean-up this area. I have lost count of how many times I have called and emailed PRASA to do something about this railway line but all my attempts have fallen on deaf ears.”
“We have put up razor wire, painted the buildings in the premises, cut the overgrown bushes, replaced the tiles on the roof and cleaned the gutters. This is an ongoing project and we are on a process getting someone who can help us with killer sprays,” said Collins.
She thanked one of the members, Mike Leppan who paid for most of the work that was done around the railway line. Collins said there were trains until six months ago and they have no clue why they are no longer using it.
“One of the problems we face is people throwing their garden refuse in the station. We urge the community to stop doing it,” she said.
The Highway Mail asked PRASA to comment, have had no reply.
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