“Trees will have to go”

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33774, 21 February 1975, Page 14

“Trees will have to go”

Trees would have to be removed from the . banks of the Styx River to enable spoil for the proposed stopbanks to be‘ extracted from the river, said a letter from the Christchurch Drainage Board, received by the Waimairi County Council last evening.

The council, which has asked for the preservation of trees along the river when the board carries out its flood protection work, was told that trees would also have to

be cut back where they obstructed the stream.

“At all times, enough trees will be left so that the banks remain attractive, and, if necessary, new trees could be planted,” said the letter. “As many as possible of the swampy places covered with dense willow growth will be left untouched as a haven for wildlife.”

The board said that trees would have to be removed over a width of about 10 metres on each bank. The stopbanks would be about 30 metres from the centre of the river. Although there would be disruption during the work, every effort would be made to restore the banks. Cr A. A. Adcock said it looked as though “this delightful river” would become an open drain.

Motor-cycling.— The council decided to open the land off Sawyers Arms Road for use by motor-cyclists as soon as fencing is completed. Use of the land was restricted to daylight, and the staff was asked to see if a by-law could be framed to cover the position.

New flats. — Tenders of $44,450 and $52,870 respectively were accepted from Mr J. A. Burrowes for the construction of blocks of six flats for the elderly at Mooray Avenue, and of seven flats at Cleland Street, Belfast. Rentals.. — The finance committee reported that it would be considering sports ground rentals at its March meeting. Alarm. —- Because the shop at the Jeilie Park Lido pool suffers from regular burglaries. it was decided to install a detection and alarm system at a cost of $373. Communitv work. — The finance committee reported that the Operation Deep Freeze base had offered to give funds for community projects. Councillors were asked to submit proposals. Parks course. — Cr A. A. Adcock, who is manager of the council’s camping ground at Spencer Park, was asked to attend a recreation man-

agement course at Loughborough University, Leicestershire, when he makes a private trip overseas this year. The. council agreed to pay the $430 in fees for the course.