Petition to reinstate track
Moturoa residents are putting together a petition to reopen the walkway linking Calvert Rd and Ocean View Parade.
For more than 80 years people have used the walkway, which boasts a seat with one of the most beautiful port views in New Plymouth, but during August access was blocked at both entrances due to safety concerns.
In a letter to residents the New Plymouth District Council stated it, and KiwiRail, had done an audit of level crossings along the Coastal Walkway and found the unofficial rail crossing unsafe.
At present the upgrade is not in the council’s budget.
The council is in the process of consultation and inviting feedback on whether to close the site permanently or upgrade the crossing to make it safer.
‘‘The main issue for me is to keep it open to not just the local community but the wider community,’’ Roy Tce resident David Castle said.
So far the petition has more than 700 signatures. ’’I am even myself surprised at where the people come from to use that crossing and how many years and generations have actually used it.’’
Castle said he’d like to see the crossing brought up to safety standards because it’s used by schools, links pedestrians to businesses and the beach, and comes in handy during events like the Weet-bix Tryathlon for children.
Walking around via Bayly Rd or Belt Rd takes residents about 15 extra minutes one way at a brisk speed.
Castle has lived in the area and used the walkway for 30 years.
‘‘We went down there to use the cutting and the barriers were erected,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s gutting. It’s been used for not just access to the beach but for the harbour view itself.’’
It also links people from suburbs further inland to the waterfront using other assets like the Mangaotuku Walkway, and Lynmouth Park.
People can have their say by visiting the council’s website newplymouthnz.com/ RailCrossing and filling in an online form.
Meanwhile the residents plan to submit their petition to council before the feedback window closes on September 30.
To sign the petition ring David and Christine Castle on 758 2602 or visit them at 2 Roy Tce.