Crime
Residents Near Garfield Sobers Sports Complex Demand Action on Noise and Car Racing
Residents near Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, St Michael, are troubled by noise and late-night car racing in the car park, leading to sleepless nights and frustration despite calls to authorities.
3 min read
Originally published by nationnews.com (opens in new tab)
Residents in districts in the vicinity of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, St Michael, are calling on the authorities to do something about the high level of noise, as well as car racing that occurs in the car park late at night and wee hours of the morning.
People in Fort George Heights, St Elizabeth Park, Regency Park and surrounding communities in Christ Church and St Michael say it has reached the stage where they “cannot take it anymore”.
They say the noise pollution, particularly from private vehicles racing on the compound, continues to cause many of them to have sleepless nights.
One woman who gave her name as “Cathy” told the DAILY NATION that calls to the police were not in any way effective.
“One time when the police did show up during one of the car races, the drivers escaped by going through a nearby hill.
The car tyres could be clearly seen the following morning.”
She said she “has been living in the area for over the past 30 years” and could not believe that these usual quiet districts “have now become subjected to these kinds of activities”.
“Sometimes all up in 3 a.m. the car racing is taking place, loud music is playing and police do nothing about it when they are called,” she lamented.
“Some of the songs you hear playing, when the music is very loud, leave me in shock. I never knew there were songs with such explicit lyrics. They are just horrible
and degrading. One of the neighbours said police patrols sometimes take place between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., but when the police leave, the cars turn up.”
Gary Sealy said due to his work schedule, the noise was not allowing him to have his much-needed rest, as he must leave home at least by 5 a.m. to reach work on the West Coast.
“We just do not know who else we can turn to for help. It’s not easy,” he said in frustration.
“This is what we are being subjected to. Why are these vehicles even allowed on the compound of the Gymnasium at night? Are security guards there during this time?” he asked.
Another resident who declined to give her name, shared videos of the noise and of the tyre marks on the lawns of the compound.
“Your newspaper might be able to get some idea from officers at District ‘A’ Police Station on the number of calls they get from residents, because for a long time many residents have been calling the police station about the car racing and loud music in the early hours of the morning,” she stated.
