Dear Editor,
The lawlessness in Palmer’s Street, La Grange, is beyond anything we have ever seen. The street, on the surface, appears to be a peaceful, multi-ethnic and multicultural settlement, but at nightfall, it transforms into a lawless, putrid and scornful place.
Several days ago, a popular bar owner along with her sister and nephew were assaulted and robbed. Two days prior to that, a sand truck owner was forced to expel two bandits from his property. They were trying to invade his home after stealing truck parts. Last Saturday around 23:00h, a car load of heavily intoxicated men stopped in the street, exited and began partying on the roadway. All attempts by residents to have them lower the volume were met with threats of buggery, kidnapping, murder and invasion.
At the end of the street, is a “club” that operates with no respect for villagers. This literal bottom house rum shop is not soundproofed and therefore, the noise that emanates from there is overbearing. Editor, we don’t have to remind you of what comes out of the mouths of drunk men. Children, who live in close proximity to this “club”, are exposed to the vulgar utterances and actions of intoxicated men and, not so often, women. The Police do nothing. The “club” is housed at the premises of a senior Police official. It is a mystery how a licence was issued to the owners of this bar given the foregoing. Then again, we’re only assuming that the owners have licences to operate.
The “club”, however, is very strict in adhering to the curfew, but their patrons move to the street to continue their partying after the establishment closes. Herein lies the problem. The street is littered with empty beer bottles, plastic, condoms and tissue every morning. Something needs to be done and it must be done urgently, because we the residents can longer tolerate this kind of torment. We’re calling on the Police to address this matter and other relevant authorities to act with haste. Given the apparent increase in crime in the street, we’re asking that there are more patrols and a probe into the operation of this club. We need peace, Editor. We are hardworking individuals who love the comfort of our homes after a long, hard day of work, but what we get is torment. Peace is being denied. Please help us, someone.
With regards,
Villagers of Palmer’s Street, La Grange
