Facelift to deal with surge

PARTS of Lawrence may receive a facelift to deal with a surge in the town’s popularity with tourists.

The Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board discussed several plans to improve the look and accessibility of Lawrence’s streets at its meeting on Wednesday.

Board member Elizabeth Ritchie brought up the issue of camper vans parking on the main street of Lawrence, Ross Pl, for hours at a time, often blocking stores and restricting access for residents and other tourists.

While she welcomed the increased interest in the town, she believed it would be better if camper vans were directed to park in streets behind Ross Pl instead.

She suggested having two signs directing camper vans to Colonsay St and creating angle parks there.

Board member Geoff Davidson said Colonsay St was not the best option for camper vans as it would be difficult to park such large vehicles there.

Board chairman Garry McCorkindale said there was, however, room for small vehicles in Colonsay St.

‘‘With the growth of the town, we’ve got to be able to do something,’’ he said.

The board also heard from board member and Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Company vicechairwoman Mel Foster about plans to upgrade the exterior of the public toilets with false stackedstone walls to make the building look like an old mining hut.

Previous plans to paint a mural of a hut on the toilets had been scrapped and the company wanted to investigate the possibility of a more realistic look.

The board also heard about the possibility of installing bicycle stands to deal with the increase of cycle trail users.

There was some debate about where the stands should go and whether businesses should install their own.

A proposed green space in Lancaster St was one possibility suggested.

Mr Davidson said he was was concerned installing stands there would detract from what was an attractive area.

Cyclists also liked to park near where they were eating or staying and the green space was out of sight from most cafes and restaurants in Lawrence, he said.

The board agreed to support the proposals in principle until the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Company was able to provide more detailed plans for the bicycle stands and design of the toilets.