I like Greerton.
The times I have shopped and spent time there I have felt a strong community vibe.
It's got great restaurants and food outlets, and I find the locals friendly.
I leave there each time with a sense the community has heart.
But Greerton has a big problem - one locals don't deserve.
This paper reported this week drunken youths and vagrants are causing major issues for retailers and residents.
The problems are appalling. Drunkards urinating against buildings at Greerton Village School, and having sex in the cloakrooms; louts harassing people, and people vomiting and urinating outside the community's hall.
Retailers have also been abused.
This behaviour is unacceptable. There wouldn't be a suburb in Tauranga that would tolerate such disgusting antics.
It's got to the point where city councillors have decided to fast-track a liquor ban for the area.
Good on our city leaders for quickly dealing with the matter.
A liquor ban will apply pressure on troublemakers and give locals and law enforcement officials the power needed to tackle the problem.
Mayor Stuart Crosby says Tauranga will soon have a total liquor ban.
About time.
People have homes and licensed establishments where they can drink. Public areas are not substitutes for pubs.
Locals have a right to live, shop and make a living in their community without drunken idiots bothering them.
I look forward to my next trip into Greerton.
Hopefully I won't stumble over any of these troublemakers.
The driver escaped through the window and ran away from the crash.