Selwyn Times: August 26, 2020

10 Wednesday August 26 2020
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
SELWYN TIMES
News
‘A bit of a waste of money’
• From page 9
The start of consultation on the
Hororata Domain draft master
plan seems to have created a
sense of fear and suspicion.
A resident representing 12
people in the Hororata area approached
the Selwyn Times with
concerns over the community
centre.
All wanted to remain anonymous
out of fear over backlash
from people who want the community
centre.
She said the concerns include
wanting the current hall to be
retained and not wanting an “eye
sore” in the domain.
Another concern is the size of
the racetrack would be reduced if
the proposed site is chosen.
During a trip to Hororata to
gauge the feelings of the community,
it became clear the new
community centre is a very
contentious topic.
Resident David was filling his
car up with petrol on the quiet
Wednesday afternoon.
He said he was happy to talk
but only wanted his first name
used as he feared repercussions
for sharing his opinion.
“I want the current hall
upgraded. It [new community
centre] is too expensive for the
people here. There are only about
300 residents in Hororata. Why
would you spend that money on a
hall that won’t be used?
“It is better to be used on fixing
the flooding out here or the hall
we’ve got. You could spend maybe
$1 million to upgrade the hall.”
Not everybody in the township
is echoing opposition to the
development.
Phillipp and Loma Booker
A resident said they think the
proposal for the new community
centre is a good idea.
They asked to remain completely
anonymous as they have
only lived in the township for
a short time and said it felt like
they were one of the only people
in favour of the project.
“It could bring more people
and they have planned it to accommodate
offices and open
spaces for hundreds of people.
“I have only lived here a short
time and didn’t even know
we had a hall. It is a short
term investment for a long
term gain.”
Nicky answered her
door with a suspicious
look but when asked about
her view on the community
centre she did not
hesitate to share.
“I don’t think that we
need a great big hall for the size
of the community. Who would
use it? There are lots of other issues
out here to be fixed.
“It’s a huge amount of money
and it would leave the race track
smaller. We moved here because
of the wide-open spaces. I would
definitely like to see our hall
upgraded.’
When asked for her name and
if a photo could be taken, Nicky
recoiled providing only her first
name and refusing the photo.
A number of residents spoken
to by the Selwyn Times were on
the fence about the proposal.
Charlie Fenwick was walking
to his car when asked about his
opinion.
He said he was unsure how he
felt about the project.
Charlie
Fenwick
“It does sound like a lot of
money to spend. It is a hard one,
it all depends. You would be
lucky to see one person around
here on a Friday night.
“I mean a new community
centre could be
a good thing but also
a bit of a waste of
money.”
Loma and Phillipp
Booker were out celebrating
Mr Booker’s
birthday with lunch at
the Hororata Village Bar
and Cafe,
They both said they were on
the fence about what they would
like to see happen.
“The current hall has been
there for a long time. I haven’t
used it or had a need for it since
about 30 years ago. The last time
we were in the reserve was for the
highland games.
“I know you need to upgrade
these things but I think you
should compare the populations
and how each facility is used and
consider it from there,” said Mrs
Booker.
Following the visit to Hororata,
Selwyn Times received a call
from the resident representing
the group of 12 who said more
damage than good had been done
by the visit to the township.
Advertorial
neighboring building now gives the
business an open-space reception area,
ample customer parking and an efficient
collision repair area, a spacious and
well-equipped vehicle assembly and
refinishing area, as well as a car valet
area and ample safe storage for cars
waiting for repairs.
Top award for local collision repair business
Perfect Auto Body in Main South
Road in Sockburn recently won the
Overall Best Business award from the
Collision Repair Association affirming the
Christchurch-based business as one of
New Zealand’s leading vehicle collision
repair specialists.
When presenting the top annual award
from the association the judges said that
that Perfect Auto Body is an extremely
well presented, well oiled, and a highly
efficient and productive collision repair
facility that scored highly in almost every
award category.
Perfect Auto Body last won the coveted
Overall Best Business award back in
2009. Since then, managing director
Wayne Houghton has acquired two
additional directors and they have
continued to grow and expand the
business with a focus on work quality
and efficiencies and providing an
exceptional customer service.
Garry Williams, a panel beater by
trade, looks after the collision
repair side of the business and
Paul Choat, with his experience
as a vehicle painter, looks
after the refinishing – helping
to create a market-leading
collision repair facility.
Recent expansion into the
Perfect Auto Body is a full-service
collision repair facility that handles all
aspects of the repair in-house and they
are a recommended repairer for most
of the major insurance companies,
including holding status as an ‘IAG
Gold Repairer’.
“Our staff are I-CAR trained and
understand the most up-to-date
repair methods and technology and
our commitment to quality ensures
your car is returned to you in preaccident
condition,” says Wayne.
You’ll find Perfect Auto Body at
175 Main South Road, Sockburn.
Call them on 03 348 7795 or 021
399 610 or make contact via their
website:
www.perfectautobody.co.nz
The Collision Repair Specialists
• Panel Beating
• Spray Painting
• Fleet Vehicle Repairs
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
After Hours/Weekends By Appointment
175 Main South Road, Sockburn, Christchurch
admin@perfectautobody.co.nz
Office: 03 348 7795
/perfectautobodyltd