Calls to tidy up Gorge entrance
Members of the public, unimpressed by the state of the Manawatu¯ Gorge entrance, are calling for a solution.
The road leading into the Manawatu¯ Gorge and to the walking track car park is covered in rubber marks caused by burnouts.
Access through the Manawatu¯ Gorge was closed in April 2017 after major slips made the road unsafe for use.
Allan Dodge is lobbying for something to be done about the issue at the entrance saying it was a bad look when visitors came to the area.
‘‘This track is still currently used by many visitors, both Manawatu¯ -wide and New Zealand-wide, including many from overseas. ‘‘This includes their cars parked at the car park. This is a bad look.’’
Dodge, who lives in Feilding and is a member of the Manawatu¯ District Neighbourhood Support group, is lobbying for a solution to the problem.
He thinks if it is left as it is, it will get worse.
‘‘[They are] burning the cones and the fences and tyre marks, there’s rubber all over the road.
Dodge thinks CCTV cameras should be installed to deter people from damaging the road and area.
Having walked the track for the past 20 years, he said cameras would stop the damage to roads, as well as minimise vehicle break-ins, give local farmers peace of mind and keep the area as a tourist attraction.
‘‘Both New Zealand police and community patrols would not need to make as many timeconsuming checks. Their valuable time could spent on higher priorities.’’ NZ Transport Agency regional transport systems manager Ross I’anson said they were aware of complaints.
‘‘Unfortunately most roads that are closed or are very remote tend to experience this issue.’’
He said there were black marks on the road but no other damage. ‘‘Contractors have been out to the site a couple of times and on both occasions they found rubbish on the road, which they have cleared.’’ There were no plans to seal over the black marks and he said it was disappointing people would cause damage to the state highway.
‘‘We acknowledge the black marks are not aesthetically pleasing, however, they are not causing damage to the road surface. The Transport Agency will continue to look for ways to discourage this behaviour in this location.’’