Call to unite towards Blue Flag aim for Warner Beach

DEVOTED locals are providing the answer to restoring the Warner Beach coastal strip to the coveted Blue Flag beach status of which it is worthy, while lowering the number of loiterers and criminals who wait at the roadside.

A handful of residents have taken it upon themselves for years, and now invite others to get involved.

“Too often emphasis is placed on the result of the degeneration of the town,” said Barrett Neilson. “We need to focus on the cause of all the unsavoury characters and happenings of our town that we hope to combat.”

Barrett went on to explain how for years now, he and a group of fellow passionate community members have not only been funding, but organising and physically getting involved in the restoration and upkeep of the positive changes made to the Warner Beach strip, specifically at Subway Beach and Ellcock Road.

Dune restoration, the painting and clean-up of the subway and surrounds, cutting back and tidying Ellcock Road and tending to the verge’s gardens are some of the many projects aimed at uplifting the suburb and combating the degeneration.

“The environment needs to be the focal point of the restoration and growth of our town,” said Barrett. “By cutting back, clearing away the bush where vagrants reside, criminals wait and the ladies of the night lurk, we force them out of their comfort zone and soon they will clear out altogether.”

The crew have noticed a definite positive change. The community is more aware of and becoming involved in these projects.

Barrett’s background as the owner of a local backpackers lodge means he is well aware of what attracts and deters tourists.

“Many of my customers leave Warner Beach solely because they take a walk down to the beach and are watched by the masses of loiterers and ‘ladies of the night’. It’s an immediate turn-off,” he said.

Workers used for the most recent clean-up were sourced from the Durban South Opportunity Centre (DSOC). These six previously unemployed people did a marvellous job and were sourced in a more efficient manner than waiting beside the road all day. Visit www.dsoc.co.za to find out more.

“Change happens not overnight but over time,” said Barrett. “For nearly 10 years, we have been taking on projects and maintaining them.”

Barrett explained that supporting financially is not the only way the community can contribute. “We need the people of Warner Beach to physically get involved,” he explained.

“Coming down to paint the bridge or plant a shrub is great, but these projects need constant attention. It’s not a one-time contribution where you sit back and wait for Warner Beach to beautify.”

Whether it’s changing a light bulb, cutting back an overgrown bush, donating unwanted plants and watering the gardens or assisting in contributing ideas and making them materialise, the crew is open to all the help that can be offered. “This is a community project, for the community,” said Barrett. “However, the project is incorrectly funded.”

While the council does contribute, much of the funds come from the pockets of a handful of locals. “Funds are important, but that’s not to say they’re the most important,” he said. “Physical contribution from the town holds an equal weight.”

 

Barrett and his accomplices believe Subway Beach, among others, is worthy of Blue Flag status, and they will continue to work towards reaching that aim.

For home and business owners who benefit from the projects undertaken and want to pay it forward, contact Zeele on 072-677-2727, Romi on 031-916-5394 or Cllr Andre Beetge on 082-718-8137.

Progress report thus far:

1. Security cameras have been installed and are now working, thanks to ET Security.
2. Stays have been put on the beach side sign for support.
3. Bricks have been layered around the corner at the base of the sign to prevent runoff water damaging the refurbished turret.
4. Globe changed on light ascending stairs.
5. Wooden fence around garden has been treated with a wax product on both sides.
6. The entire bridge is a day away from being repainted. Thanks to Sapphire Coast Tourism for sponsoring the paint.
7. The pavement and bordering verge has been getting a lot of work done to it and is now looking verge like, plans to increase the gardens on both sides are being made. Thanks to VOV Trust and Neil from Green Intentions for maintaining it.
8. Beach project is going great. The entire entrance is fixed up and thanks to the dune restoration project the dunes are flourishing.

Still to do:

1.  Put rope around support poles for signs.
2.  Plant all the palms organised by Cllr Andre Beetge. They are to be planted on the beach side coming out of tunnel going towards beach. If all goes well, palms will be planted within days.
3.  Lee, an Umkomaas artist, is returning to finish the country flags and add some more ‘life’ to the beach side entrance of the tunnel.
4.  Verges need much more work.
5.  Additional bins could help to prevent people from littering.

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