And Why Do We Pay Rates ?
I live in a lovely part of Christchurch and our property looks out over a lovely park and lake which is extensively used by old and young alike. Since the introduction of our New Council, this area has been neglected with no maintenance or repair. The pond has a jetty where people can sit and enjoy the view of the wildlife and just enjoy the day. NO it is a dangerous area as the Jetty is rotting away with holes in the rotted boards. part of the jetty has been repaired poorly at some time and is now loose and rotten. (See attached photos).
The council workers came around over 3 weeks ago to tidy up around the pond - the pile of rubbish is still there and has not been removed. (See attached photo).
The paths are falling into disrepair with holes in the seal. My daughter has a disability but still enjoys riding her bike around the park. She has twice had accidents where the wheel of her bike has fallen into a hole in the seal and she has fallen off her bike. Old and young use this park walkway. (See attached photos).
The playpark area is now overgrown with weeds as it is no longer looked after again this is an area where the young families take their children to play. (See attached photos).
There is a pothole in the road just outside 19 Sanctuary Gardens which has been patched numerous times and yet still sinks. This is becoming a hazard for motorists and cyclists as it is just off the roundabout. When are the council going to fix this properly.
When are the council going to accept their responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of their property. Do we have to wait until someone gets hurt, or some ones child falls through the rotten decking and is seriously injured or drowned. Surely this should be covered under their Health and Safety responsibilities.
And the Council want to up our rates !!! maybe we need a vote of No Confidence in some of our Councilors'.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.4% Yes, it's fair
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9.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
House fire causing road closures
Pages Road is closed this afternoon from Breezes Road, this is due to a house that has caught fire in the area.
Coastal Ward Community Board member, Alex Hewison, shared the closure on a local Facebook page.
Fire and Emergency are at the scene but further details have not been shared at this stage.
Avoid the area where possible.
Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.
Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.
The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.
‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.
‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.
‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’
The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.
The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.
It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.
But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.
Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.
‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.
It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.
Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.
‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.
Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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