By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey Council seems to have moved closer to shutting down part of a hoon-plagued street in Narre Warren.
Councillor Rosalie Crestani said the rarely-used tactic had become a “real possibility” for the eastern turnbowl on Prospect Hill Road.
The cul-de-sac – and its adjoining park – has been bedevilled by screeching burnouts, drifting, dumped tyres, burnt-out cars and drug-deals for years, residents say.
Not to mention out-of-control cars crashing through terrified neighbours’ fences.
Or the monkey bikes and cars ploughing ‘crop-circles’ into the park’s lush lawns – and even mounting the handrails on the reserve’s elevated pedestrian bridge.
It prompted 80 residents to petition for Casey in October to close the turnbowl.
Cr Crestani said the council was yet to make a decision on curbing the area’s dangerous hoon activity.
“It seems that (closing the road) could occur. It’s a real possibility.
“I’d also like to see a basketball court in that space.
“At the end of the day, our aim is to make this troubled location a more liveable place.”
Cr Crestani said Casey was reluctant to close down streets, including a parking area close to the playground and fields.
But the cul-de-sac, being especially secluded for wrong-doers, was a unique case.
“It isn’t always ideal. But if we have to close the road, we will.”
It is expected the council will hand down a report on possible solutions in March.
In the interim, Casey upgraded fences to deter cars and monkey bikes entering the park.
Council officers met with residents in January, and spoke of cutting vegetation to improve the park’s sightlines and installing a bin.
Over the past few months, Star News has spoken with concerned residents.
One – whose back fence was demolished by a hoon’s wayward car – said dreads the familiar screech of tyres.
“When they come into the court, I close my eyes and I just hope they stay in their circle,” she said.
“It’s worse when it rains. That’s when I hold my breath.
“You just hope for the best.”
The hooning noise shakes their windows, her partner adds.
“There’s up to 20 of them. It’s not like you can go outside and say: ‘Can you keep the noise down.’”
Michael Presta, who organised the petition, said the road’s closure would have little impact on the park’s legitimate visitors.
“You might get one or two cars a week who use it legitimately. Otherwise it’s hoons and drug users.”
On the upside, the saga has brought the neighbourhood closer, Mr Presta said.
“We have got to know each other better, we wave to each other.
“We’re talking about getting together for a community barbecue.”
