Attempts to find ‘racing’ site continue

Press, 7 September 1989, Page 7

Attempts to find ‘racing’ site continue

By

KAY FORRESTER

A Christchurch City Councillor, Ron Wright, will continue his attempts to find a site for the group of mainly teenage racers who meet in Cass Street on Friday and Saturday evenings.

He told the council’s works and traffic committee yesterday it was no good ignoring the problem and hoping it would go away. “It’s all very well to say leave the police to arrest them. This group has very sophisticated radio equipment. They know when the Ministry of Transport is on the way to Cass Street and they simply go to one of five other sites they use. What we have to find is a place off the streets for them away from houses.”

People who said the racers broke the law and the council should not help them missed the point that it was a problem that had to be addressed. “We have a problem here. Let’s do our best to find a solution,” Cr Wright said.

A site on Railways land in Ensors

Road, Opawa, which was to have been discussed at yesterday’s meeting, was withdrawn. Cr Wright said resident opposition had indicated it was not a suitable choice. A deputation of residents who were to have addressed the committee did not because of the withdrawal. The committee favoured continued negotiations with Railways for a site. Cr Wright will also meet representatives of Ruapuna Raceway. Cr Rex Arbuckle praised Cr Wright for his efforts. It was unfortunate that people had read his comments about finding a site for the racers to mean the council would pay for a drag strip, Cr Arbuckle said. “I’m glad we’re now looking at Ruapuna. That seems an appropriate facility,” he said. Cr Wright will meet the racers this morning for further talks.