North Canterbury News: September 26, 2019

Thursday, September 26, 2019 | Issue 865 | www.starnews.co.nz
NPD to stick with fuel site
By ROBYN BRISTOW
Fuel company NPD will push on with its
self­service petrol station in central
Amberley, but has offered an olive
branch to those opposing the site.
The organisers of petitions, signed by
nearly 1000 people objecting to the use
of asite in the heart of Amberley,
recently met representatives of the
Nelson­based firm to present the
community’s concerns.
Apetition organiser, Tony
Trewinnard, says NPD has since come
back to the group saying it took nearly
three years to identify asuitable site in
the town, and it was committed to
continuing with the development.
‘‘They tell us their arrival will be a
win­win for NPD, the Amberley
community, and the retail sector,’’ Mr
Trewinnard says.
‘‘Naturally we are disappointed at this
response, which doesn’t seem to reflect
the depth of community concern.’’
NPD has offered the temporary use of
its future retail space for community car
washes and sausage sizzles, and has
established acommunity fund which
will see 1cent per litre of fuel sold in the
first three months at Amberley donated
to alocal community group.
It has also promoted future discussion
between the newly elected council and
the local community, he says.
‘‘These are small wins for our
community,’’ Mr Trewinnard says. ‘‘But
stopping this development was always
going to be an uphill battle, after the
council left the community on the back
foot by not disclosing the consents
application when it arrived on their
desk in early April.
‘‘NPD listened respectfully and with
care to our concerns.
‘‘They were mindful of the investment
they had already made in purchasing
the land and in obtaining consents for
the site, but agreed to think about how
they might be able to help the
community.’’
Continued Page 3
Woolly trio enjoy their regular river strolls
By SHELLEY TOPP
Dogs and cats make great pets
because they are smart,
affectionate and have distinct
personalities. However, few
people realise that sheep, if
treated with respect, can also
make great pets on lifestyle
blocks, say Grant and Valerie
Davey, of Ashley.
Every afternoon, Grant and
Valerie get acall from three
Swedish friends. It is a
reminder that they are waiting
for their walk along the
Ashley/Rakahuri River
mountainbike trail.
The call comes from the
couple’s Gotland Pelt sheep,
Thomas, Viktor and Quentin,
waiting impatiently for their
stroll along the trail at the
back of couple’s lifestyle
block.
They don’t like walking in
the rain, but on fine days their
persistent bleating is
impossible to ignore, and on
some nights the trio also line
up to go on the leash for awalk
along the road. The couple’s
dog, Rolly, joins them for most
of their walks.
Continued Page 2
Out with the team... Grant Davey, of
Ashley, during one of hisafternoon walks
with his three Gotland Pelt sheep, from
left,Quentin,Viktor and Thomas. Grant’s
dog, Rolly, brings up the rear.
PHOTO:SHELLEY TOPP
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