Bush bash angers neighbours

2003-07-10 23:43

Jan-Jan Joubert

Pretoria - US ambassador Cameron Hume is facing the wrath of his neighbours after the banquet he arranged for President George Bush at his official residence in the upmarket suburb of Waterkloof caused severe disruptions.

Military historian Dr Janice Farquharson lives opposite the ambassador's residence in Aries Street. She said police and security vehicles had caused "severe disruptions" in the neighbourhood and hampered traffic flow from as early as 14:00.

The situation deteriorated when a number of streets were closed at 18:00. Anyone who had appointments elsewhere, such as Farquharson, had to walk to the perimeter of the cordon to be picked up there.

Farquharson said many residents were disturbed and even kept awake by the sea of flashing blue lights and "police helicopters which flew back and forth the whole night".

"Worst of all, no one was notified in advance or offered an apology for the inconvenience."

Apparently functions at the ambassador's residence regularly cause disruptions and Farquharson said she had lodged complaints before.

"I'm probably not very popular at the embassy."

She said she had been unable to contain herself any longer on Wednesday and had given the "bullies on bikes" a tongue lashing herself.

"They took no notice of me."

- Beeld