The definition of a ‘green belt’ area is the buffer between a town and the countryside. It is meant to keep a certain piece of land permanently open, and there is not necessarily a right of access to this area. Furthermore, it protects an open area from further development. Residents in the area of Vryheid Hill have complained on numerous occasions about the misuse of the open park in Noord Street. Parties would occur and a mess would be left behind. This left residents furious. It is alleged that, at some time on their own accord, they tried to keep party-goers away from the area by laying down spikey objects in the grass. A fence is the only thing that separates this park from the nature reserve. Recently, the area was cordoned off as a ‘green belt’ area. The Vryheid Herald requested more information from AbaQulusi Local Municipality on the issue and whether more parks in Vryheid would be regarded as ‘green belt’ areas. Unfortunately, at the time of going to print, no response had been received. A follow-up story on this issue will be published once more information becomes available.
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