Don’t split Meander towns

WESTBURY PRISON PLANS

STUDIES show that imposing a prison on a rural community without asking if they want it can lead to a range of harmful effects. These include splitting the community into “angry warring factions” and ruined interpersonal relations in the community. Government and decision makers have access to this research and ought not impose any controversial event on any community that carries these risks.

Here in Westbury we are already seeing some divisions in our small, once harmonious, community. Minister Elise Archer told us a postal survey would ask the whole Meander Valley whether they supported a prison at Westbury.

What right should people in Prospect or Mole Creek have to decide on the future of Westbury? Why would they even want to? This survey has the potential to split our peaceful Meander Valley towns and villages. It is wrong. It is unfair. And surely it should be Westbury which decides Westbury’s future.

Heather Donaldson

Westbury that has expanded to 8000 people. This has become too large for me and I am looking for somewhere else to live. I was stunned to discover the state has decided without consultation to erect a maximumsecurity prison 2km from the village. Some residents are trying to be open, but most are reeling at the lack of consultation.

How can a village support a prison of this kind so close to their quaint place of residence? What will it do to the tourist population? How will it affect businesses? They think any positive impact on business would be short-lived. I look forward to my next visit. However while there is the threat of a prison nearby, I will not be moving to Westbury.

Michelle Chote Waiheke Island, NZ before this decision, which should be immediately reviewed to fully consider the suitability of the site and its negative effects on Westbury.

Stan Armstrong Cygnet