The seven pots will be removed from Alexandra, Sloane and Arawata Streets. Photo: Jesse Wood
Seven decorative pots from Alexandra, Sloane and Arawata Streets in Te Awamutu are set to be removed.
Board member John Wood’s motion at the June Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board meeting was passed with enthusiasm.
Pots have frequently been pushed over. Photo: Jesse Wood
“The big pots throughout the main street of Te Awamutu and one in Sloane Street have been a community bugbear for quite some time,” Wood said.
“This was due to them being frequently pushed over; used to put rubbish and other less savoury things in; reducing visibility of pedestrians especially small children – as some are near crossings – and they’re not conducive to the look of the town.”
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board John Wood’s motion to remove the pots was met with enthusiasm.
The community board had requested the pots’ removal in the last triennium but there was not a budget available to do so to cover the approximately $10,000 cost.
Through Wood’s community connections he has found a significantly cheaper option via Innovative Farm Services from Pārāwera.
The board approved the expenditure of $2000 plus GST to remove the pots as long as the work complies with the requirements as set out by the Waipā District Council transport service team.
The money allocated will come from the community board future projects funds.
A Hiab (heavy-duty, truck-mounted hydraulic crane) will lift and place the pots onto a truck.
Wood said he understands that contractor will dispose of the pots unless someone wants to house them.
As a council asset, Waipā District Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson supported the project.
After further consultation with Hudson, roadworks will be happening in those streets in early July. That is when the pots are likely to be removed.
Some of the pots reducing visibility of pedestrians especially small children. Photo: Jesse Wood
“I’ve been to Waipā Networks and as far as they’re concerned, the cable is a good 600mm down, so it won’t affect that,” Wood said.
“We have received support from the transport team who will manage the traffic management for this work, which is likely to be conducted in the early hours to avoid as much inconvenience to passing traffic.
“We’re aiming to do it at about 4am.”
Board chairperson Ange Holt said Fonterra were happy with the timing, as it’s unlikely to affect their tankers.
Councillor Shane Walsh seconded the proposal and it was passed unanimously
“I just want to acknowledge the great work that John’s done to organise the task,” Walsh said.“I’d also like to acknowledge Bryan Hudson, who has been very cooperative in terms of providing a health and safety resource for the marvellous occasion when these pots will be removed.”
