Big turnout of pathway supporters at council hearings

Supporters of a coastal pathway from Sumner to Ferrymead bridge turned out in force yesterday for the Coastal Pathway Group’s submission at the Christchurch City Council annual plan hearings. 

CPG spokesperson Mike Sleigh said council should invest funds for the planning of a coastal pathway before proceeding with repair work on the badly-damaged infrastructure along the coastal route from Ferrymead to Sumner.

“We want the masterplanning for the Christchurch Coastal Pathway to be brought forward to commence as soon as practicable in the coming financial year 2012-2013.”

The group wants council to allocate $50,000 to enable the council’s staff to collaborate
with external specialist consultants on the masterplanning process.

“We are prepared to provide voluntary assistance to the masterplanning process to ensure its effectiveness and minimise its cost to the community.”

Sleigh said the pathway was consistent with the council’s vision and would ultimately link up with the proposed greenway in Christchurch City.

Linda Rutland, who was among around the large group of supporters at the hearings, said if the council didn’t act quickly it would miss an ideal opportunity to use the recent rock fall as material for the pathway.

“If it doesn’t happen now then we and our great great-grandchildren could be waiting another 130 years.”

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Published on Wednesday, June 6th, 2012, under News