Angry Bulls unrest soothed

Rangitikei’s mayor is reassuring upset Bulls business owners and residents they will not lose the town’s bus station if the new civic centre does not go ahead.

Andy Watson confirmed buyers were interested in the councilowned bus station, but said there was a clause that it would remain the property of the Rangitikei District Council if the proposed civic centre was not built.

Watson was put in the hot seat when he visited Bulls on Friday to discuss the issue with about 20 residents and business owners. The mayor admits communication about the issue hasn’t been up to scratch. The proposed three-storey building would bring the library, information centre and town hall together under one roof.

The $3.61 million project would be funded by ratepayers, with the remainder coming from the sale of surplus council properties and lottery grants. One of those properties is the town’s bus station.

Watson reiterated the council’s plans, assuring the town the bus station was safe until the new civic centre was open.

‘‘I accept the communication with the Bull’s community wasn’t great here. We have got safeguards in place to ensure the ownership of the bus station will stay with us until the new building is open. We want a buyer that has the town’s best interests at heart and will be accepted by the Bull’s community.’’

Council chief executive Ross Mcneil said many people’s concerns arose out of miscommunication. He said the council was yet to make a final decision on these buildings and that they would provide an update to the public after next week’s council meeting.

Bulls Community Committee member Heather Thorby said there can be up to five or six buses in the station at once.

‘‘This is the outgoing council voting on something the new council is going to have to deal with. Every small town needs every opportunity to stop traffic and get people into our businesses.’’