Road safety concerns aired by local residents at a recent Moutere Hills Residents Association public meeting have resulted in prompt action from the Council.
Councillor Trevor Norris has reported that the TDC is to formally investigate the possibility of introducing speed restrictions on the Moutere Highway leading up to the Community Centre entrance way, and also on Old Coach Road approaching the Mahana School.
Residents claimed to have witnessed a number of "near misses" outside the Centre, particularly with children on sports days, and it was agreed that both sites were "accidents waiting to happen".
Councillor Norriss noted at a previous meeting that the planned rerouting of the Moutere highway past the Community Centre was shelved in the medium term through lack of funding, but the next best thing was to look at slowing down the traffic. "The investigation process is complex and may be a bit drawn out, but once the review is requested it will definitely proceed."
Progress on the proposed Village to Community Centre walk and cycleway was also discussed at the recent meeting. Upper Moutere School Headmaster Grant Watson confirmed that the school had consulted with the community on a possible walkway last year, receiving very positive feedback. "We are very much in favour of this link" he said. Phil Hyatt noted that the walkway has been on the community wish list since the Centre was first established and it was only with the formation of a Residents Association that the project could begin to move forward. However he noted that more communication will be necessary with the various landowners before a route can be established. "An agreement-in-principle at least will be necessary by all relevant landowners before any further action can be taken" he said.
The Meeting unanimously approved the draft constitution of the Moutere Hills Residents Association, and the 15 inaugural members required by law were duly signed up. If you would like to become involved in the future of your community, become a member or just have your say, please contact the association.
From The Grapevine, November 2012