• Parkview Police state that the crime situation in Craighall/Craighall Park and Hurlingham is relatively quiet and certainly much better than the other suburbs in the precinct. A lot of credit was given to our dedicated police vehicle. We are trying to improve contact between residents and the Craighall Striker using a radio or cell phone but certain formalities need to be addressed.  
  
  The main areas of concern for the police are housebreaking and theft out of vehicles. The problem is most acute in Greenside, Parktown North and Parkhurst but the residents of CraigPark need to remain vigilant.
  

• The Domestic Watch program headed up by Margaret Stewart in Craighall Park and Amy Trail in Craighall is providing meaningful assistance to the Parkview crime unit in terms of enlarging "the eyes and ears of the community". Craighall Park attendance is gratifying and Craighall continues to seek a better venue.
  

• Reminder! If there is building activity in your street, the police would welcome the street address and contact information (tel no) for the builder, to ensure that the people working on site are in possession of proper documentation and are not illegal immigrants.  The police are now authorised to summons people who are on site illegally and to fine the people responsible.
  

• We welcome Pick 'n Pay to the suburbs in the refurbished Lancaster Avenue complex. There have, however, been complaints re improper parking by huge delivery vans. The CRA is discussing the matter with Pick 'n Pay management and asking for their cooperation to ensure that proper parking procedure is adhered to.
  

• If anyone definitely knows of an abandoned house in either Craighall Park or Craighall, contact John Turpin (325-4547) who will request the police to take appropriate action before unwanted episodes take place. You need to be sure that the house is abandoned otherwise the police will be unable to follow their set procedure

2.   Jhb Metro Police and taxis

Residents have complained that the Johannesburg Metro Police are not particularly visible in our suburbs. The CRA is thus discussing this with management at Metro. We are told that the service should improve with the release of 150 new police college recruits to Metro Police and who, from 1 August, will have further training at 21 police stations throughout Johannesburg. We are also informed that pressure is to be put on taxis in our suburbs in terms of the legitimacy of the routes they are following, adherence to traffic regulations etc. This will take place over the next two weeks.

3.   Town planning matters

Cell phone mast, cnr Westminster and Portland Aves ­ the CRA has objected to plans to increase the number of antennae on the mast. A radiation report has also been called for.

Beaufort koppie ­ Johannesburg Property Co has now followed the correct procedure by advertising the proposed sale on the site. This means that the period for objections has been extended to 10 August. The 150 plus objections previously received are still valid but if you would like to add your voice, send your letter to L J Mckenna, Managing Director, City of Joburg Property Company (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 31565, Braamfontein 2017, citing Local Authority Notice 043 of 2004, as amended. Fax no: 011 339-2727.

4.   Environment

Paulette Malcolmıs ongoing valuable work along the Braamfontein Spruit continues to attract media attention. If you would like to get involved and play your part in helping to turn the area into a valued feature, contact Paulette at 082 452-9322.

Illegal notices attached to poles and trees ­ if you contact Cas Teulings on 082 336-7673 he will arrange for the removal of such notices.

5.   Praise from our Ward Councillors

After the Indaba organised by Cllr Judy Stockill for Ward 90 (reported in the Gazette, and showing the strong presence of the CRA), Judy said, The residents of Craighall and Craighall Park are well served by the CRA. Your residents' association is actively and successfully addressing crime and grime in your suburbs The City of Johannesburg has to spend its budget to meet its constitutional obligation to deliver an environment that is not harmful to the health or well-being of its citizens and citizens are expected to do more than pay. The City expects their help. You can start helping by joining and actively supporting the Craigpark Residents Association. Don't forget ­ it's never to late to become a paid-up member of the CRA. Contact Jill Weldon for information - jweldon@mweb.co.za.