Nor'West News: April 23, 2019

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8 Tuesday April 23 2019 Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi NOR’WEST NEWS Exhibitors Book now Don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your business in front of 10,000+ qualified attendees lisa.lynch@starmedia.kiwi or 021 800 809
NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Tuesday April 23 2019 9 News Ping-pong table and no seats • By Jess Gibson A SHIRLEY resident is questioning why ratepayers’ money was spent on a $5000 ping-pong table. Don Gould has spoken out over the Papanui-Innes Community Board’s decision to buy a concrete table tennis table for the Shirley Community Centre after they were supposed to be looking at seating options. “When you ask for a picnic table, you get Don Gould a ping-pong table and a $5000 bill,” Mr CHOSEN: A lack of seating will remain at the Shirley Community Centre for now, as a decision was made to purchase a concrete ping-pong table (similar to the one pictured), instead. Gould said. In November, Richmond resident Jennifer Dalziel’s concerns over a lack of seating in the area prompted the community board to investigate possible options for picnic tables. The community board considered four options, ranging from $104 for a standard wooden picnic table from Mitre 10 to almost $5000 for a multi-use table tennis table and seating. The chosen concrete table itself was valued at $3175 and two concrete seats at $449 each – but because the estimated cost of $1500 for installation on a concrete pad would bring the total cost above $5000, the seats were scrapped. Ms Dalziel said she “couldn’t believe it” when she heard what decision had been made. “It’s turned into a huge thing which has been going on for five months and there’s still no extra seating,” said Ms Dalziel. The decision was 3-2 – board chairwoman Ali Jones, member Jo Byrne and city councillor Pauline Cotter voted for the most expensive option, whereas member John Stringer and city councillor Mike Davidson were against the decision. Deputy chairwoman Emma Norrish was absent for the vote. Ms Byrne said she voted in favour of the more expensive option as she believed it would be “more cost-effective in the long term.” She said that the concrete was a good option as there is an issue with fire in public areas. “We were looking at something fire resistant and durable,” said Ms Byrne. She said that she has contacted Ms Dalziel to say that the board will discuss seating for either side of the table at the next meeting. But Mr Gould said that the decision not to include seating in the $5000 budget was “just a little raindrop” in questionable spending of ratepayers’ money. “This is chump change but it makes me wonder what we miss on a daily basis,” said Mr Gould. Mr Stringer was in favour of the $104 option “on the basis of safety and cost.” Mr Stringer said that he believed the decision would “go down like a cup of cold sick” with the public. He said that the concrete table would be a safety hazard for young children who could slip and bang their head. •HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think about the Papanui- Innes Community Board’s decision to purchase a ping-pong table? Email your thoughts to: jess.gibson@ starmedia.kiwi Local News Now Feedback on pump track plan Fire rages, homes at risk CONSULTATION on a proposed pump track at the site of the former Shirley Community Centre will now go ahead. The city council approved a $87,850 grant for a relocatable track for bikes, scooter and skateboards. It came after the Papanui- Innes Community Board was approached by Shirley Primary School pupil Shannon Smith, who organised a petition for a bike or skate park. Board chairwoman Ali Jones said it was important to get the funding before consultation. She said there had been cases in the past where consultation has been completed only to find there was no money available. “Consulting on something creates an expectation in a community and we did not want to do that if there was no money available. In fact, as this is temporary, I am advised that we aren’t required to consult but this isn’t about what’s required, this is about talking with and listening to our community about activating a site that has not been used as a community space for more than eight years.” Safety barriers save lives Calling for exhibitors We’re putting flexible road safety barriers down the middle of State Highway 74 (QEII Drive) between Innes Road and Burwood Road. The new barriers will help stop head-on crashes. We’re also widening the road and adding side barriers and new road markings to make this road safer. There will be a new road layout and speed restrictions in place while the work is underway, so please leave an extra five minutes to get through. weddingshow Sunday 25th August, 2019 Air Force Museum, Christchurch Just a reminder to drive with care around road workers. They want to get home safely too! More information available at nzta.govt.nz/m2b To exhibit at this fantastic show, please email mark.sinclair@starmedia.kiwi for more info.
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Nor'West News: April 23, 2019

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