Western News: April 08, 2021

4 Thursday April 8 2021
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
WESTERN NEWS
Harewood School pupils took part in a colour run last week to learn more
about the Holi Festiva and the Hindu culture, organised by school parent
Maryanne Bhatnagar. Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India,
known as the Festival of Colours. The festival signifies the arrival of spring
and is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest.
Feedback wanted on
plans to close bus lounges
• From page 1
However, Moore said closing
them would kick the elderly and
people with disabilities into the
cold, and leave young people with
nowhere safe to wait.
“Young people need more safe
spaces, not less.”
The city council is currently
calling for public feedback on its
plans, but a visit to the bus lounges
last week revealed most people
were unaware of the proposal.
Erin Costello, a frequent user of
the bus lounge, said not enough
had been done to publicise the
proposal, which she felt was hidden
in the Long Term Plan.
“I found the proposal yesterday,
after my third look,” she said.
“It is on about page 50 of a 75-
page document. One very small
paragraph, saying they are proposing
to close the bus lounges.
“People who are going to be
affected by this are not going to
easily find that information and
give feedback.”
Moore agreed, saying the proposal
had been “tucked into the
Long Term Plan with no notice”.
“There is a real lack of visibility
on this closure,” he said.
A city council spokesperson
said the long term plan had been
communicated across a variety
of channels, including through
media releases, digital and print
advertising, and on its website.
The public can make submissions
on the Riccarton bus
lounges, and other Long Term
Plan 2021-2031 proposals, via the
city council’s website until April
18.
A final decision on the lounges
is expected in June.
To make a submission, visit:
https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/
plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/plans/long-term-plan-andannual-plans/long#9
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should
the city council close the
two Metro bus waiting
lounges on Riccarton Rd?
Email your views to bea.
gooding@starmedia.kiwi