Waimairi awaits report on school pedestrian crossings

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 6

Waimairi awaits report on school pedestrian crossings

A report was expected from the Ministry of Transport on a survey it had made of school pedestrian crossings, the traffic committee reported to a meeting of the Waimairi County Council last evening. The council had been discussing the wish of parents of Roydvale Schopl children for a pedestrian crossing on Roydvale Avenue, opposite the school. The council adhered to its earlier decision not to install a crossing, but authorised warning signs already in use for the school, and decided to review the position after three months trial. This did not mean that the council would not install a crossing, said the chairman (Mr D. B. Rich). The trial could show what might be best for this and other school crossings.

The assistant county engineer (Mr G. W. Main) said parents were rightly concerned about the safety of the children, and while the present system of warden control was not free of hazards, it worked well. "A crossing which children tend to trust as safe will not provide them with as much protection as their own distrust does now,” said Mr Main. He said that wardens had power to stop children crossing, but had no control over traffic. Patrols had power to stop both children and traffic. Cr H. M. Tait said the

Roydvale signs appeared to be effective.

Prosecution delays

It was of concern to the council that there were months of delay in getting a hearing of prosecutions in the Magistate’s Court, said Mr Rich.

“This is particularly annoying where the council is prosecuting for breaches of the town-planning or building requirements,” he said.

“The council has a number of cases awaiting a hearing, and it appears that the Court is overburdened with work. Months go by without even a hearing date being arranged. “This delay is against the interests of the council, in policing its by-laws, and of firms and individuals who have a prosecution hanging over their heads.” Objection A protest from Misses M. A. and B. A. Lewthwaite against the intention of the Christchurch Municipal Electricity Department to add to its sub-station adjoining their home at the corner of Weka and Tui Streets was considered by the council.

The Misses Lewthwaite asked the council to help maintain the residential quality of the district. There had been explosions in the existing sub-station and the proposed extensions would detract from property values. A letter from the M.E.D. said that a permit would be sought from the council in due course, but an assurance

was wanted that the site would be available before 66kVA transformers and cable were ordered, as the sum involved was $500,000.

The council asked its Fendalton riding members, Crs L. J. G. Franks and B. L. Bonisch, to investigate.

Medical centres

Consideration was given proposals to establish medical centres at the Bishopdale shops and at the new suburb of Parklands.

The town-planning committee reported that a doctor had suggested facilities at Parklands. Smith Developments, Ltd, had agreed to set aside four sections at Radiata Avenue.

The idea was to erect two buildings, one to be used by doctors, and the other by the Plunket and district nurses.

The County Clerk (Mr J. Reid) said that it might be difficult to raise loan money for a medical centre at Bishopdale. Cr I. Calvert suggested that doctors could organise a centre.

The council decided to ask the Department of Lands and Survey if it would set aside land at Bishopdale for a medical centre, and to invite applications from doctors. Tourist flat?

Approval in principle was given to a proposal to build tourist flats at Spencer Park. The council was told that there was a demand by tourists for this type of

cheaper accommodation. The finance committee was asked to report on hpw the flats could be paid for. Industrial land The council agreed to consider a suggestion from the North Canterbury Catchment Board that another 7.049 hectares of land at Chaneys be zoned for rural industrial use. It was also decided to prepare a plan for the landscaping of the whole Chaneys industrial zone. Planning approval Town-planning approval was given for Andrews and Beaven, Ltd, to use the old engineering factory at 201 Marshland Road as a store, warehouse, and offices. Permission refused Mr G. J. McKay was refused permission to sell heavy trucks from his repair and maintenance depot at 141-145 Blenheim Road. The council noted that for many years, it has refused consent for commercial uses on Blenheim Road, and that it has been supported by the Town and Country Planning Appeal Board. Janand Construction, Ltd, was refused permission to build four luxury flats at 57 Middleton Road. The council said the residential A zoning should not be breached, and should continue to be restricted to single and double-unit homes.