Petition gathers momentum
More than 1000 people have signed a resident initiated petition to keep the walkway on lower Calvert Rd accessible.
During August access to the popular walkway was closed after an audit, done by the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and KiwiRail, found the unofficial rail crossing unsafe.
‘‘The simple fact is that there is no legal crossing at this location and there never has been,’’ council infrastructure manager David Langford said. ‘‘NPDC recognises the value of having a crossing at this location.
‘‘It is our intention to propose a project for funding to our council, subject to KiwiRail approval, to install the necessary infrastructure so that we can create a safe and legal crossing facility.’’
A fence will soon be installed to keep foot-traffic out of the walkway in the meantime.
‘‘I would ask local residents to remain patient and allow us the time necessary to undertake these essential processes so that we can ensure they get a safe and fit-forpurpose crossing facility in the near future.’’
Petition co-organiser David Castle said the close-off date for signatures was September 25, and people are welcome to ring him or Christine on 758 2602 or visit 7 Roy Tce to sign.
Ngati Te Whiti Whenua Topu Trust CEO Shaun Keenan has added his name to the document.
‘‘It’s a well known and well used walkway. I think New Plymouth is better by having that walkway open,’’ he said.
‘‘Although the trust owns the land on the sea side of the railway line we are yet to be formally told or informed that it was happening.
‘‘It was disappointing to hear second or third hand that it’s happening.’’
Keenan said the trust would put together a formal submission.
Langford said the council has already approached Ngati Te Whiti Hapu, and the next step was to approach the Ngati Te Whiti Whenua Topu Trust.
‘‘As we are only part way through our consultation process at the moment, we have not been able to contact all the interested parties yet,’’ he said.
The petition will be presented to the council on September 27 at 4pm and the community is welcome to attend.
People can also have their say on the council’s website newplymouthnz.com until September 30.