GEORGE NEWS - Business owners at the top end of Langenhoven Street are at the end of their tether and fearing for their safety because of criminal elements being attracted to a deserted small building complex in their midst.

It has been empty for months. Vagrants who have moved in, have started to vandalise the property and it is suspected that they are connected to a recent spate of break-ins at surrounding shops.

The property is, however, to be redeveloped. It was acquired by the neighbouring Kempston Motor Group Trust with the aim of opening a new Citroën and Suzuki dealership. Patrick Price, dealership principal, said that building plans have been submitted and approval from the George Municipality is being awaited.

Deputy director of Planning at the municipality, Stiaan Carstens confirmed that plans were received on 25 January, but said that they were referred back to the draughtsman to clear up matters on a fault list. A demolition application was subsequently submitted by the applicant on 1 March, as had been requested on the fault list.

"No further building plan, with amendment of all the other faults, has been submitted to date. A capital contribution is also still outstanding and as a result, the plan cannot be considered. It was nonetheless tabled before the Aesthetics Committee on Tuesday for handling of the demolition application," said Carstens.

He said that since the building is bigger than 500m², the municipality has 60 days in which to finalise the application. "The 60 days exclude all periods during which the plans have to be referred back to the applicant for rectification."

Goods of R60 000 stolen
In the meantime, businesses have stepped up security measures after several break-ins and attempted break-ins in the area. PZ Appliances, located on the opposite side of the street to the empty property, suffered damages to the amount of almost R60 000 in a break-in just over a week ago.

Computers, tools, gas bottles and clients' appliances were among the stolen goods. "We have been complaining to the municipality and police for months. There have been attempted break-ins at my shop before, and now they have finally succeeded," said Zander Conradie, the owner.

Brian Windsor of The Bride and Groom shop, welcomed the new development, but said in the meanwhile that criminal activity is on the increase. "The police's efforts to remove the vagrants have been to no avail as they simply return. Nothing happens to them. We hope the redevelopment of the site will take place soon."


Businesses in Langenhoven Street have stepped up security after vagrants have moved into this empty building and there has been a spate of break-ins.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST