Churton Park Community Association Inc.
www.churtonpark.org.nz

Media Statement

Thursday 29th May
Invest in people - Ellis

It’s time to give priority to the needs of people and the neighbourhood groups they identify with. That was the view expressed today by Roger Ellis, Spokesperson for the Churton Park Community Association, when he made an oral submission to the Wellington City Council meeting considering the 2008-09 Draft Annual Plan.

“The large number of three to six year olds living in the suburb a decade ago are now the growing number or 13-16 year olds who need a sense of belonging and identity – a place to stand if you will” said Mr Ellis.

“Despite a decade of growth the Churton Park community still has no neighbourhood shopping centre, no community hall and no community lounge or meeting rooms” said Mr Ellis.

“It’s time for the Council to give higher priority to investment in community facilities in the Churton Park area”.

Mr Ellis said that the local church has employed a youth worker but there is concern that the existing meeting room at the local primary school is insufficient to meet demands from various community groups – especially youth, sports and cultural groups.

“We need to ensure that groups who are willing to invest in our community are supported in their endeavours. The Council has a leadership role to play in funding such facilities” said Mr Ellis

In addition the Association highlighted the need for additional litter bins in the suburb, improved bus shelters and improved traffic safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.

“Parts of Middleton Road in particular are becoming dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. The Council needs to act now before some one is injured or killed” said Mr Ellis.

The CPCA represents the interests of approx 2,000 households. The suburb is growing at the rate of 100 houses per year. The local primary school has grown from 500 pupils to 750 within 3 years and is expected to top 1,000 pupils.

ends

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