THUGS ABUSE COUNCILLOR
A SURFERS Paradise restaurant that was once a destination for families and birthday celebrations has become a dangerous haven for teen thugs, according to a neighbouring business.
Area councillor Darren Taylor said he was threatened by about 20 youths who shouted at him to get out when he visited the The Chaopraya Thai Restaurant site on Friday.
“I can run fast but I was thinking I hope my hammys (hamstrings) hold up.”
IT WAS QUITE INTIMIDATING. I CAN RUN FAST BUT I WAS THINKING I HOPE MY HAMMYS (HAMSTRINGS) HOLD UP COUNCILLOR DARREN TAYLOR
A SURFERS PARADISE restaurant that was once a destination for families and birthday celebrations has become a dangerous haven for teen thugs, according to a neighbouring business.
The Chaopraya Thai Restaurant at the corner of Frederick St and the Gold Coast Hwy stopped trading about two years ago and has been left to rot by its Chinese owner.
The once vibrant restaurant which had a mini river flowing through the centre, stocked with goldfish, is now filled with broken glass, stained mattresses, broken furniture and a strong stench.
Head chef Lee Palmer at neighbouring hotel D’Arcy Arms said on Monday a man from a nearby unit block was stabbed by youths.
Mr Palmer said two days later a group of teens used the derelict building for a “standup drinking session”.
“They were young people, anywhere from 15 to 17. They were having a stand-up drinking session in the middle there,” he said.
“They normally come in here and want to sit in the smoking area, they ask for water and sometimes to use the electricity to charge their phones.
“We normally only have girls on staff so it’s a little bit hard … the girls get hassled because the kids occupy the toilets for a long time and then they leave.”
“There’s girls and guys that are in there,” Mr Palmer added.
Area councillor Darren Taylor visited the site on Friday and said he was threatened by about 20 youths who shouted to get out of their house.
“I’m furious. I’ve called the police,” Cr Taylor said.
“It was quite intimidating. I can run fast but I was thinking I hope my hammys (hamstrings) hold up.”
Cr Taylor had given the property’s owner a show cause notice and planned to meet with a representative at the site next week.
“In my view it’s dangerous,” he said. “I’m working with the owners to try to get it demolished and from my understanding they are getting quotes.”
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed two men were stabbed at Frederick St about 4pm on Monday.
It is alleged a 16-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy stabbed two men after they were caught ransacking their apartment.
The men, aged 23 and 30, allegedly chased the youths from the house and were stabbed in the hands.
The 16-year-old was charged with two counts of armed robbery in company, one count each of deprivation of liberty, burglary, wounding, wilful damage, enter premises and commit indictable offence and trespass.
The 12-year-old was charged with one count each of robbery, deprivation of liberty, burglary, wounding, wilful damage and possession of a dangerous drug.