NEWCASTLE – Conditions at the park on the corner of FW Beyers and Samson avenues in Barry Hertzog Park reportedly have residents questioning the safety of their neighbourhood. Equipment is damaged, rusted and broken, and long grass allegedly compromises the safety of residents.
“We constantly have to be cautious when leaving or arriving at our homes. as we never know when someone might jump out from the bushes and attack us,” said a resident who wanted to remain anonymous.
Allegedly, vehicles often stop at the park, and raucous behaviour upset residents in the area.
“Weekends are noisy and it’s not fair. We have reported this matter to the municipality on several occasions, but have not seen a change at the park yet. All we want is to live in peace and have a safe, decent playground for our children to play in without getting hurt, or being scared of the people who are there.”
The Newcastle Sun contacted Ward 3 Councillor, Bertie Meiring about prevailing conditions at the park, and he said he understood the concerns of residents and undertook to investigate the matter.
“I will take it up with the relevant departments and have the problem attended to as soon as possible,” he concluded.
The Newcastle Municipality was contacted for comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of going to print.