More community boards needed

A review of the New Plymouth council’s community boards system has seen calls for other areas to get their own representation.

At a New Plymouth District Council Performance Committee meeting last week, councillors received an update of which community requests were catered for in the Long Term Plan.

New Plymouth District has four community boards – Kaitake (Omata-Okato), Waitara, Inglewood and Clifton (north of Waitara to Tongapo¯ rutu).

Councillor Harry Duynhoven raised concerns about areas such as Bell Block that do not have community boards, and councillor Marie Pearce agreed.

‘‘Those communities that don’t have community boards are disadvantaged really,’’ she said. ‘‘I think that community boards are the voice of the community.’’

The Bell Block Community Facebook page has 4071 members, and several felt a community board would be a good thing.

Bell Block resident Ally Campbell said often issues were either not raised or were discussed on the community Facebook page but went no further.

She would like to see a playground within walking distance of Wills Rd, especially with all the new development.

‘‘It would be good to get things like this heard as we are only a little community, but a close family community so things like playgrounds would be awesome to have.’’

Deb Green said the community needed a voice. ‘‘I would also like to see if Bell Block had future planning considerations, especially around development, shopping, transport.’’