Public consultation on pedestrian facilities in Hastings

The public is being invited to have their say on removing barriers to walking, wheelchair and mobility scooter use around Flaxmere, Hastings and Havelock North.

The iWay project is designed to ensure that trips on the footway network are safe, more efficient and enjoyable.

‘iWay Project manager Owen Mata says feedback shows a number of barriers exist to residents making the most of the existing footpaths.

“Some of those may include a lack of lighting, a lack of marked pedestrian crossings and no direct routes between locations.

“Sometimes pedestrians are forced to play second fiddle to vehicles and in some places it is easier to get around by car than to walk. We are aiming to change that” Mr Mata says.

Council is implementing a plan for improvements and is keen to hear from residents on their ideas for the footway network.

Work is to begin in the next couple of weeks on the Southampton Street-Railway Road intersection, which is well known to be unpopular with pedestrians, particularly older people.

Meetings are being held on Wednesday, February 23rd at the Flaxmere, Havelock North and Hastings public libraries, between 11am and 5pm.

The public can find more information on the meetings by contacting Gavin O’Connor on 873 8946 or gavin.a.o’connor @mwhglobal.com