'Face-lift' for Ohakune

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 33, 5 February 1985, Page 1

'Face-lift' for Ohakune

The first step in what could be a major 'face-lift' for Ohakune was taken by the Borough Council this week, when work began on the patio area outside Cedar Mall in Goldfinch Street.

"This paving will be the first example in the town of work that is practical but also aesthetically pleasing," said i works and reserves chairman, Cr. Peter Hammond. Depending on shopkeepers and ratepayers reaction to the scheme, other areas of the town may be improved in the sarrie way. The footpath outside Cedar Mall was chosen to be reconstructed first because the area was already in need of improvement. Paving stones are presently being laid and trees and seats will be added shortly. Improvements to Thames Street are also planned by - the council. There will be new street iighting, underground cables, angle parking, decorative gardens and more trees. Road re-sealing work is also currently underway in the town. At present Miro Street is being re-sealed.

The area in Goldfinch Street from Clyde Street to Dalgety Crown's shop, the condition of which has upset some local shopkeepers and members of the public, will be re-sealed within the next six weeks. Burns Street from the main highway to the bridge will be re-sealed and the curbing renewed. Cr. Hammond said that the work programme may cause some inconvenience to the public, but it is expected the work will be completed before the winter. Mayor of Ohakune, Mr Bill Taylor, added that the improvements were desirable and although there was "a long way to go" with the scheme the only thing that could now hold it up was the unavailability of finance. Commercial ratepayers in the town will be asked to make a contribution towards the work on pavements which is in addition to repairs required to bring them up to 'ordinary standard'.