Tourist attractions in state of disrepair

ON SATURDAY, for the first time in many years, I visited the Noon Gun site on the side of Signal Hill.

What a disappointment. The road leading to the site is in a state of disrepair, and piles of illegally deposited litter were obvious on the roadside.

When we eventually arrived at the gate there was a sign on it saying “site temporarily closed to the public”.

The buildings behind the fence and gate looked derelict. If those are some form of military barracks, heaven help (no attachments). All letters must contain the writer’s full name, physical address and telephone number. No pen names. us if the military is ever needed in an emergency. Surely a concept that has been in use for about 220 years should be a tourist attraction?

During the summer school holidays, why not have sailors dressed up in the navy uniforms of 220 years ago and make the noon firing an enjoyable and interesting event, with a bit of ceremony thrown in? Why is a kiosk not selling, for example, ice cream and coffee, perhaps for charity? Where are those who drive tourism in the Western Cape?

With the high unemployment rate, every opportunity should be taken to promote tourism, even if the military has to be involved.

It is the same as the train to Simon’s Town, which is no longer functioning.

No one seems to care about it or is accountable for this demise.

Imagine this train with observation coaches, as are found in Canada. It could become one of the greatest short train rides in the world.

Come on City Fathers, let us put some energy and imagination into these valuable tourist attractions and stop the evident insidious downward spiral of such assets.

I am told that hope springs eternal. KEVIN MEINEKE | Hout Bay