RESIDENTS of Agar Place have raised their collective concern over an abandoned house which they say is being used by criminals as a thoroughfare. Residents say vagrants are also living in the home which has allegedly been stripped of various items, including the copper pipes, light fittings and ceiling boards.
Last week Northglen News met with Brian Daish, member of the Greenwood Park CPF and residents listing their concerns over the property.
“This has been going on for more than two years and despite the owner’s promise to fix the place, nothing has been done to date. We have cases opened by Greenwood Park SAPS where people have been charged for trespassing and theft. Several emails have been sent to the health department and building inspectorate reporting the property to no avail. Several neighbours have noticed criminals using the abandoned house as a thoroughfare. They have also spotted men living in the house,” Daish said.
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“I believe urgent action needs to be taken here as it is following the same pattern of problem buildings becoming a springboard for criminal activities. The vegetation on the property is overgrown and the pool is filled with dirty water that hasn’t been removed.”
The homeowner, Abdul Bhatti, said he is doing everything he can to repair the home, urging his neighbours to give him time.
“I understand it’s my duty to look after the house and no one has been living in the house for about two years, but I don’t have funds to fix everything right now. I’m asking my neighbours to be patient with me as I try and work things out financially. I do pay for people to cut the grass inside the property and I’m trying to save the money to fix the house up. I have heard people have been sleeping in the property but I’ve asked my security company to chase them away every time they’ve been spotted,” he said.
It is understood the home was served with a notice environmental health services unit saying the owner had 14 days to clean the pool and ensure the amenities are kept clean and hygienic.
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