The state of the property at 51 Roodebloem Road and the (criminal) element hanging around it have been a great worry to the surrounding residents and UWRA. That’s why everybody was very happy when a few months ago a “SOLD” sign appeared on the property and we learned that the buyer was someone, who was interested in the community and heritage of Woodstock.
Unfortunately it has since come to our attention that there are problems with the sale and it might not go through. Therefore the property will continue to be a problem for our community. UWRA has sent the following letter to Sub-Council 15 and the Ward Councillor, Cedric Thomas:
“It is with deep concern that UWRA has learned that the pending sale of above property is no longer happening. This means that the present owners, Mr Termain Kyles (of 3 Salisbury Street, Woodstock) and Mr Alan Main, will continue to be the owners, which is a very bad situation for the immediate neighbours and the community at large.
UWRA and the community of Woodstock have brought the destruction of this property to the attention of the Council on several occasions. We are grateful that the City Health Department has twice cleaned the plot during the past year. We now would like to know what other action City Council has taken against the owners.
We would like to give you an overview of our complaints:
The property has been stripped completely over a period of months of all its valuable and historic assets, including all the woodwork, door and window frames, fireplaces, “broekie lace” fencing, etc. All that are left are the walls and the roof. The owners have let this destruction happen and have done nothing to stop it, which has obviously been a great loss to our area and our Heritage.
The property has been left standing as is by the owners and everybody and anybody has access to it. The property is used by drug users and drug dealers. Criminals use it to gain access to neighbouring properties. Antisocials use it for dumping purposes. The most serious incident has been the rape of a teenage boy.
On at least 3 occasions there were fires at the property and the fire department had to be called out. At least one of these fires has caused damage to the house immediately adjacent to it.
Vagrants have moved onto the property and are living there, which aggravates the health and crime situation.
As you can see, the situation is extremely serious. Appeals to the owners from community members have fallen on deaf ears. It seems that they are completely disinterested and they definitely have no consideration for the problems their property is causing our community.
We would like to appeal to City Council to take urgent action against the owners to force them either to restore the property or at least to secure the property, so that access to it no longer can be obtained by undesirable elements.
We await your urgent reply.”
UWRA will keep you informed of developments in this matter.
