A corner under Block 65 Circuit Road in MacPherson has been turned into what looks like a private space. Recently, a shrine was also set up there. On top of that, bicycles have been parked right next to the nearby fire hydrant, making residents worry that if a fire breaks out, it will block rescue efforts.
A resident, Ms Tan, told Shin Min Daily News that groups of people are often seen gathering there, drinking and chatting throughout the day. “What shocked me was seeing a shrine appear there recently. If a fire happens, the consequences could be disastrous,” she said.
She added that several bicycles were left blocking the fire hydrant, which made her even more uneasy.
When reporters visited, they found the corner cluttered with stacked cardboard, plastic chairs and tables, and many drinks. The dry riser was just separated by a wall, and several bicycles were parked nearby, some even blocking the riser.
Mr Zhang, 51, a resident, said the people gathering downstairs are mostly residents themselves.
“It’s fine if they just chat, but the clutter and shrine really make us worry about a fire.”
Another resident, Mr Tan, 61, a retiree, shared that residents had been gathering downstairs for years and recently started setting up the shrine.
“But since people are always around and cleaners come regularly to clear items, I don’t really think it’s a big fire risk.”
Mr Wu, another resident who often chats with friends downstairs, explained that the shrine only appears during the Hungry Ghost Festival in the seventh lunar month.
“I heard it only started in recent years, and they did apply to the authorities. They don’t light candles, only burn incense,” he said, adding that cleaners come three times a week to clean up, and scrap collectors also remove recyclables, so things don’t pile up.
Noise complaints at night
Some residents complained that the group can be very noisy at night. They would sing, chat loudly and even play videos on their phones at maximum volume, disturbing people’s sleep.
Mr Zhang recalled that his family often had trouble sleeping because of the late-night noise.
Ms Tan also confirmed the complaints, saying that although someone reported the noise in the past, nothing much had changed. Over time, she has simply gotten used to it.
Town council steps in
The Marine Parade–Braddell Heights Town Council said it has put up notices asking residents to remove both the shrine and bicycles.
“We have already noticed the situation. Notices were put up to remind residents to park bicycles only in designated areas. We will also continue with regular inspections to make sure public spaces remain safe and clear,” the town council said.
It added that no approval had been given for the shrine to be placed downstairs, and for safety reasons, residents have been asked to remove it.
Earlier, the town council also stepped in at a nearby flat along Balam Road, where clutter had spilt into the common areas. Following its intervention, the resident has since made improvements. The council added that it will continue with regular checks to ensure public spaces remain safe and clear.
