Improvement scheme for junction

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 36, 26 February 1985, Page 1

Improvement scheme for junction

After several councillors crimmented that the Junction has been neglected for too long, Ohakune Borough Council unanimously approved a $14,000 plus improvement scheme for Thames Street on Thursday evening.

The scheme will include cobblestone paving simiiar to that outside Cedar Mall, landscaping and a number of public seats. The scheme was one of three put to the council by Councillor Peter Hammond. The options were: *A cobbled footpath, 3.5 metres wide, with landscaping and seats, simiiar in design to the work which has been carried out at Cedar Mall. This project would cost approximately $14,000. *A scheme incorporating a concrete footpath, also 3.5 metres wide, at a cost of $10,375. *A one metre wide concrete footpath, with grass either side, which would cost $5,750. However, Councillor Hammond said he had been in touch with 70 percent of the ratepayers in Thames Street and they were "very enthusiastic" about the cobblestones scheme and many of them had pledged money towards the more ' expensive project. "This shows people at the Junction are keen for this development to take place and are willing to do something about the area."

Councillor Mike Wiggins added that the Junction was the highest rated area in the town and with the recent clean-up carried out by the railways and the new bridge development, the council should improve the street. Councillor Ellen GouRl said the Junction had been neglected for tod long. "The work has to be done and I even feel it is a cheek to ask ratepayers for a contribution as they have been subsidising everyone elses roadworks for long enough." Despite reservations on the part of Councillor Errol

Sue about the problems which may arise collecting the ratepayers contributions to the project, the council voted unanimously to proceed with the scheme immediately following the signing of the necessary

bonds by Thames Street ratepayers. Maximum cost to the council for the project will be $8,000, coming from this year's estimates and the '85/ '86 estimates,- the rest from ratepayers.