Local body candidates

Press, 26 September 1980, Page 9

Local body candidates

supply .— an issue which he said had been covered in the news media with little objectivity. The initiative taken by regional authorities' had been taken in Southbridge’s best interests, “but the response should be an optimum and workable solution.”

The full merits and potential problems of -the proposed sewerage scheme had not been considered in public. Dr Lappage said. He wanted to ensure his community’s needs were “properly appraised and dealt with in the best ways.

Mrs Kay Greenwood, Southbridge

Community Council Housewife, with two young chuldren. Local ' bodies should study fully all alternatives, and keep the community well informed, for dealing with water and sewage arrangements, Mrs Greenwood said, A well informed community should have a say in deciding any necessary changes.

Mrs Greenwood was also concerned that improvements in Southbridge,. such as reading and tree planting, be continued.

The community council should contain a broader representation of residents, she said. Greater efforts to ascertain public

feeling would help the council meet public needs.

Mrs Neroli Osborne, Irwell riding Farmer’s wife, four children. Girl Guides representative on the National Council of Women’s Christchurch branch. Communications between residents and ratepayers in Ellesmere County and their council could ‘be improved, Mrs Osborne said. The answer lay in personal contact and open discussion. She wanted . more encouraged in Ellesmere, local industry, hence creating more employment. Mrs .Osborne would support the establishment of a nevrEllesmere College,, particularly to provide continuing education for adults.

Tourism should also be encouraged in Ellesmere, along with “beautification” of roads ‘and picnic places in the county. Information has not been received from other candidates in Ellesmere. On behalf of candidates for the Leeston Community Council, Mrs Maiy McEvedy said they felt it

was “more prudent at this stage not to become too vocal.”

Mr J. R. Summers, Southbridge

Community Council Caretaker at Southbridge School, married with five children.

All options cheaper than the • proposed sewerage scheme should be carefully considered, Mr Summers said. Huge rate increases resulting from such a scheme could cause hardship for property owners and discourage new settlement in Southbridge.

The council was out of touch with the depth of feeling against the present proposed sewerage scheme.

The township suffered a decay common to small rural centres and its present district scheme was unimaginative, “with its emphasis on consolidation of housing and zoning proposals.” Southbridge’s particular attribute was its soil and emphasis in planning on small scale horticulture could attract “new life” to the area, Mr Summers said.