Population and housing, top concerns

More parking, big box retailers and more choice for childcare are among the items people want sorted in Cambridge.

People also wanted a third bridge over the Waikato River and are worried about the impact of population increases and housing development.

It comes following a Cambridge Edition story asking people how the town could prepare for the next 25 years of growth.

There was keen debate over the four key areas, education, health, transport and communications, put forward in the story.

While the subjects explored drew agreement other issues were raised, such as the lack of parking, development and brands needed for big box shops as well as better policing and more choice for childcare.

The most debated subjects revolved around population growth leading onto housing development and a third bridge.

Population growth and its control lies with the Waipa District Council and to date the town boundaries have been set with plenty of space available for future housing.

Long-time resident John Marshall was worried future developers would look to the green belt area around Cambridge to build new homes.

‘‘No green space has been overlooked in their [developers] lust for money and profit. They are literally dribbling at the mouth at the thought of the chance to build a housing estate where we have our green belt,’’ wrote Marshall.

Reader Derek Phyn had a number of suggestions from making Cambridge a destination for tourists to an lookout over the town.

The landmark building occu- pied by the Deli Cafe could do with an overhaul and has suggested it could involve rebuilding to three or four levels with a glasshouse restaurant and a deck on top to take in the views. A minor overhaul would involve at least giving it a waterblast and a new lick of paint.

Reader Robyn O Neill wants to see services, activities and space for young people with disabilities as young families have to transport their children to either Te Awamutu or Hamilton to find suitable meaningful activities.

And Dave Urwin wants the council to ‘‘wake up’’.

‘‘With the population heading towards 20,000, a third bridge is desperately needed now,’’ he said.

The Cambridge Community Board is involved in looking at the issues growth is causing currently and into the future.

It is expected to have its Cambridge Charter available for consultation soon.