The Glenwood Bulwer Ratepayers and Residents Association (GBRRA) has submitted the following proposal to the eThekwini Metro Police to request immediate assistance in addressing the misuse of Bulwer Park. With over 600 signatures and growing, our petition demonstrates strong community support for intervention to stop public drinking, noise disturbances, and anti-social behaviour affecting residents. Bulwer Park’s current state is affecting families, children, and community members who wish to safely enjoy the area.

Summary of Key Issues

1. Unregulated Public Drinking: Excessive and disruptive drinking in the park, particularly on weekends, has led to numerous incidents and confrontations.
2. Noise and Late-Night Gatherings: Gatherings frequently extend late into the night, amplified by loud car audio systems, disturbing the peace and safety of nearby residents.
3. Public Nuisance and Aggressive Conduct: Some individuals exhibit aggressive behaviour toward residents, deterring community use and compromising public safety.

Requested Actions from Metro Police

To curb these behaviours and restore Bulwer Park’s community-friendly atmosphere, we respectfully request Metro Police support in the following ways:

1. Visible Patrols and Checkpoints: Proposal: Deploy visible checkpoints and patrols from 10 PM to 12 AM on the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December, supported by SAPS and the Community Policing Forum (CPF). Metro Police’s presence will be essential to these efforts to create a visible deterrent and shift the perception of the park as a party destination. Objective: Dissuade public drinking, noise disturbances, and encourage responsible park use through consistent enforcement during peak times.
2. Regular Patrols During Peak Hours: Proposal: Increase foot and vehicle patrols, especially on weekend evenings and after 7 PM on weekdays. Objective: Prevent gatherings from becoming disorderly and ensure Metro Police visibility deters unlawful activity.
3. Immediate Enforcement of By-laws: Proposal: Enforce by-laws against public drinking, noise, and littering in partnership with community volunteers from GBRRA. Objective: Swiftly address by-law violations and encourage compliance through immediate fines and penalties. 
4. Strategic CCTV Deployment and Monitoring: Proposal: Assist in overseeing CCTV installations throughout the park and ensure prominent signage indicating surveillance. Objective: Enable law enforcement to monitor for infractions in real-time, discouraging anti-social behaviour and assisting with prompt responses. 
5. Dedicated Complaint Line: Proposal: Create a dedicated Metro Police line or platform for residents to report disturbances, particularly during peak hours. Objective: Facilitate efficient response to community reports, increasing community confidence in Metro Police support. 
6. Collaborative Educational Outreach and Signage: Proposal: Design and install large signage, with Metro Police branding, displaying park rules and regulations, emphasizing prohibited behavior like public drinking. Objective: Inform the public of park rules and reinforce the presence of Metro Police, showing a commitment to maintaining park order.
7. Support in Restricting Parking Lot Access: Request: Work with the Parks Department to close off the parking area next to the old substation, which has become a popular late-night gathering space. Objective: Limit access to the park’s periphery, discouraging parties and vehicle access that encourage disruptive behaviour.

Additional Actions and Coordination

To further secure Bulwer Park, we will engage the Parks Department to install bollards at strategic locations within the park, limiting unauthorized access and vehicle parking.

Proposed Multi-Agency Meeting

We propose a collaborative meeting involving Metro Police, SAPS, the Parks Department, DSW, and GBRRA within the next month to establish a two-month action plan. This meeting will allow all stakeholders to coordinate efforts and secure the necessary resources to address the issues and improve Bulwer Park’s conditions. Through a unified approach, we aim to develop a comprehensive strategy that includes park monitoring, physical improvements, and community outreach to restore the park as a welcoming public space.

Community Commitment

The GBRRA will actively collaborate with Metro Police by providing regular updates on resident complaints, including photographic or video evidence, to assist with monitoring and evaluation. We are committed to supporting Metro Police in assessing the effectiveness of these measures and adjusting based on feedback and enforcement needs.

Conclusion

With over 600 community supporters calling for action, the Glenwood Bulwer Ratepayers and Residents Association urges Metro Police to help restore Bulwer Park as a safe, family-friendly environment. Working together, we can reclaim this space for the community, ensuring it is welcoming and accessible for all residents.

Thank you for your support, Glenwood Bulwer Ratepayers and Residents Association (GBRRA) - glenwoodbulwerra@gmail.com - 067 267 6535

Keyuren Maharaj - GBRRA Chairperson