Anti-social behaviour by a “small percentage” of visitors to the lookout at Uys Krige Drive, Plattekloof, has prompted councillors to adopt a motion to manage the landmark better.
Also known as Lovers’ Lane it has views across the peninsula and draws visitors from around the city to view the sunsets and sunrises.
But, says Ward 1 councillor Cheryl Visser, there has been a growing number of complaints about “loud music, illegal dumping and unacceptable behaviour” by some visitors.
“These activities have been the order of the day for many decades, mostly executed by youngsters over weekends and late at night, to the dismay of the surrounding neighbours,” she said.
In a motion to Sub-council 3 (Goodwood), she said the area had sentimental value and older people called it Fairyland.
“Ashes of loved ones have been strewn here over the years, and family members visit this area to reminisce,” she said.
Ms Visser told Northern News the landmark should be managed better, as it could not be taken away from people. The problems at Lovers’ Lane were not unique and happened across the City.
“We have to save it and use it in harmony,” Ms Visser said.
Earlier this month she met various City officials to seek a solution to the problem.
Ms Visser said a camera would be installed and linked to the control room in Goodwood, but that would only happen early next year once the logistics were worked out.
There has also been a call for more refuse bins and better signage.
Ms Visser said signage at Lovers’ Lane was outdated and road markings were wrong.
New signage, she said, should indicate that parking was only allowed for an hour and that alcohol, drugs, loud music and noise were prohibited.
“I just want the best for all people there,” she said.
Gert Knoetze, chairman of the Loevenstein Neighbourhood Watch, said problems at the look-out had been coming on for years.
He said a small group of visitors caused a disturbance by playing loud music, urinating in public and littering.
He said they received daily complaints from residents about the goings-on at the lookout.
“We have to do something to get people to behave appropriately,” he said.
Mr Knoetze said some of the visitors were confrontational when approached.
There had also been reports of cellphone theft and drug use at the spot.
“Ons probeer om besoekers op te voed om sosiaal aanvaarbaar op te tree. Ons aanvaar nie wat daar gebeur nie,” he said.
He welcomed plans for improved road markings and a camera to be installed there.
“As dit nie werk nie, moet die reg sy gang loop,” he said.
Parow SAPS spokesman Captain Kevin Williams said that while there had been no recent criminal complaints at Lovers’ Lane, there was anti-social behaviour.
“People that park at Lovers’ Lane have not reported or opened criminal cases of incidents pertaining to this place,” he said.