Link coast road suggested

A LINK road between Himatangi Beach and Tangimoana has been suggested as the public consultation period for the Manawatu District Council’s Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 enters the final week.

The call for council to investigate such a road is one of 30 submissions so far received on the draft plan – the MDC’s three-yearly long term planning document. The consultation period ends on Thursday, May 10.

The submitter said the road would create an alternate route linking Foxton and Bulls and save about 30 minutes in travel time for emergency services. It would also combine the fire service coverage between the coastal villages, along with ambulance and marine rescue services covering areas like the Rangitikei River mouth.

“This would also assist in lessening the traffic on State Highway 1 for occasions like air shows and Christmas and public holiday traffic,” the submitter added.

A final point was that a future bridge linking Tangimoana and Scotts Ferry would also be beneficial for the various services.

On-going maintenance of Kitchener Park, on the outskirts of Feilding, also drew support, with one submitter pointing out that heritage parks were irreplaceable and had current and future value for the community.

“They are of historical significance and give opportunity for rest and recreation,” the submitter said. “Most of the difficulties with Kitchener Park can be remedied and investment has already gone into reducing flooding and the subsequent weed distribution. Let’s keep up the good work.”

A number of funding requests have been received encompassing a feasibility study to determine the possibility of a cycle track from Palmerston North to Foxton using the old railway line and continued support of $10,000 per annum for the regional lifeguard service at Himatangi Beach.

Three other submissions were in favour of council selling its Sanson property on the corner of State Highways 1 and 3, while a number of submitters urged council to stop fluoridating the district’s water supply.

Council has encouraged all residents to read the plan, or its summary, and make a submission if they have a strong opinion on any particular issue.