GEORGE NEWS - One of the busiest bus stops in the CBD, which was recently moved to right in front of a private home in Market Street, is making life unbearable for the family that lives there.

The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says on 26 September they woke up to commuters on the pavement and buses stopping in front of their garden.

It was a total surprise as they were not informed by the authorities beforehand.

Since then, her family has had no privacy and they have had to endure noise, littering, a stench of urine in their garden and damage to property.

"It is a mess. The commuters stand right next to our fence. We put up netting on the inside of the palisades for some privacy. This was damaged and a hole was cut, through which nosy commuters stare at your every move. 

The net put up by the homeowners for more privacy was cut.

"Someone also wrote with a permanent marker on the fence. During the holiday, I had additional expenses because I took my children out to other places. They are toddlers and have nowhere else to play than in the front garden."

She has not received satisfactory answers to her complaint after contacting the Go George bus company, which originally assured them that a bus stop would never be put up there. "All I get are promises that the matter is being referred to the relevant persons."

The municipality's head of communications, Chantèl Edwards, confirmed that this is a temporary bus stop and therefore does not have a shelter. 

"It is to accommodate passengers during the municipal improvement project that is part of the upgrading of Market Street where provision has been made not only for vehicles, but also with a pleasant and safer pedestrian environment in mind."

She said contractors have been appointed for the upgrading and passengers are being diverted to the temporary stops in the interim. It will last between two and four months.

Go George has said that mitigating measures were implemented at this bus stop immediately after complaints were received. These include placing of communication champions at the temporary stops during the week to help manage passenger behaviour. 

"Arrangements have also been put in place for more frequent daily cleaning of the area. We sincerely regret the inconvenience experienced by the family."

However, according to the owner, the situation has become worse in the past three weeks. 

The champions are not of any help at all and cleansing of the area only takes place in reaction to a complaint. 

"At the weekend the swearing and quarrelling among passengers waiting at the stop was sickening.

"The road workers seem to stand around whenever you see them. At this rate, the upgrade is not going to be over in two months, and if it is going to take four months, it will include December. It is an absolute nightmare."

The owners have to put up with daily littering and urinating outside their boundary wall.

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