As the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 Supercars event draws nearer, it's clear that some Novocastrians are still unsupportive.
Vandals have tagged the words 'liars,' 'shame' and 'spin' on signs explaining the purpose of construction works taking place around the East End.
Images of the vandalism circulated on social media yesterday, as race preparation continues.
This week, crews will work on driveway upgrades on Watt Street and further works on Nobby's Beach Carpark.
The past few days have seen the relocation of utilities, the laying of stormwater pipes and water main installation throughout the East End, with crews working between 7am and 5pm on weekdays.
Maria Charlton, an East End resident and business owner, has expressed her frustration with the disruptions caused over the past few months.
"It's been disruptive. It's been noisy. The sad part about it is it's affecting a lot of businesses- they've gone into a downslide...These were businesses that were very viable; small businesses," she said, "But because of the traffic chaos and the infrastructure work, they've gone into decline and they're desperate."
Ms Charlton believes the event should never have been planned to take place on Newcastle's streets. "I mean really, I don't deny people will want to watch this event, but take it to a race track and stop imposing on business.
"If residents or whoever did [the vandalism], are saying things, they're saying it out of utter desperation. They're seeing their environment being totally invaded for a three-day event."
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| "Lies"- Vandals target signage opposite Nobby's carpark. Image source: The Herald. |
