PHILIPSBURG--In efforts to control the loud noise and numerous complaints received from residents of Illidge Road, police invited businesses to an information session with Community Police Officer (CPO) Inspector Felix Richards last week Thursday.
Complaints come from persons living between The Cottage roundabout and the entrance to Arch Road.
Police have intervened in many of these complaints and have taken measures in closing these establishments down. The area houses several popular nightclubs, bars and other after-hours businesses. Supermarkets also are located in this residential area.
The complaints police still receive regularly are issues such as loud music, businesses remaining open after lawful closing hours, fights, traffic back-ups, illegal parking, the lack of proper street-lighting, and no sidewalks or pedestrian crossings, to name just a few.
The Police Force has taken the initiative to address the situation more actively and Inspector Richards was given the task to lead and oversee this project.
Richards invited the owners/operators of the nightclubs, bars and other businesses located in that area that operate into the wee hours of the morning to attend an information session held at the police headquarters in Philipsburg, at which they all appeared.
The purpose of this meeting was mainly for Richards to become acquainted with the owners/operators of these establishments, for the owners/operators to become acquainted with each other and to inform and make them aware of the ongoing situation, for all parties involved to jointly look for the best alternatives and solutions that will allow the residents of that area to enjoy a comfortable living with their families, to ensure it is done without any disruptions or disturbances and at the same time allow the business owners/operators to conduct their trade without repeatedly being reported to the police by the residents.
Richards gave a PowerPoint presentation during the meeting regarding the strengths and weaknesses in that business/residential area. The intention of this project is also to involve the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI to discuss matters regarding improvement of the infrastructure in that area.
This meeting was the first of many. Follow-up meetings on the progress of the project will be scheduled in the near future.
Source: Daily Herald
Police Force meets with Illidge Road businesses
