Tempers ran high last year as events held at the bowling club’s bar disturbed nearby residents, prompting a series of negotiations between Kruger, residents, and club management in October.
It was agreed that the club’s doors and windows would be soundproofed with double glazing, that speakers would be installed facing into the club rather than outwards towards surrounding streets, and that the club would no longer host live acts.
According to Kruger, however, the issue remained unresolved until late December, when he visited the site accompanied by representatives from Johannesburg Property Company, the Department of Environmental Health and Metro police to request that the newly-glazed doors be kept closed during events.
“There has definitely been an improvement this year… The fact that the noise problem has decreased is confirmation that the requests were not unreasonable and that people can still enjoy themselves without the music being so loud that nearby residents are disturbed by the noise,” said Kruger.
While conceding that noise complaints were fewer and further between, Kruger requested that residents who continued to make occasional complaints to take the time to clarify the source of the noise, as it was unclear where the continuing nuisance originates. Alternatively, residents can request Metro police to investigate the source of the noise.
Fairmount Bowling Club secretary Clinton Sampson, meanwhile, insists that the club is complying with all agreements made last year. The club is dependent on proceeds from its bar for its survival, and all profits go toward the upkeep of greens and buildings. Sampson emphasised that he had received no further noise complaints from residents.
“I know for a fact that at this point in time, we’re well within the bylaws,” he stressed.
