'Loud screaming' during nightly sepak takraw games causing disturbance at Bedok Reservoir Road

It is not just football in the void deck.

The noise from nightly sepak takraw games in a court near Block 639 Bedok Reservoir Road is the bane of at least one resident there.

Stomper JL said: "Lately, there were some concerns with regards to town council closing void decks and courts, not allowing children to play football.

"Perhaps we should look at why that was so. One of the reasons could be noises created and disturbing the neighborhoods."

He said that even though the court near his block is occasionally used by senior citizens for exercises, most of the time, youths play sepak takraw as early as 6pm till the lights are switched off at 10pm.

"Even then, they loitered around until late in the night," said the Stomper.

"Not many residents get to use the court since they occupy them very early and daily. I am not against children or youth making use of the court to play games. However, it's not just the noise but the constant shouting and unnecessary loud screaming that is causing a disturbance in the estate.

"These are not children but youths above 15 years old. Sometimes the group can swell up to 30. Some came in mini scooters and occasionally, cigarette butts can be seen in the court in the morning. This has been ongoing for a very long time."

He added: "One cannot watch television without turning up the volume to maximum."

In response to a Stomp query, a Aljunied-Hougang Town Council spokesperson said: "The town council will put up advisories to remind users of the court to keep the noise level down after 10pm and not to litter.

"As for the use of the court, we understand the disamenity it may cause to some residents. However, a balance has to be struck between residents wishing to enjoy the use of recreational facilities and the responsible use of such facilities which are located within residential areas.

"We agree that more can be done to socialise the users of such facilities on the importance of respecting quiet hours in Aljunied-Hougang town. There are some measures in place such as switching off lights and locking up enclosed facilities at 10pm, where applicable. Going forward, we will continue to explore ways to further mitigate and reduce such disamenity.

"For the immediate term, the Town Council will continue with our educational efforts to encourage considerate behaviour among users of the facilities in our common areas such as courts, playgrounds and fitness corners."