Contractor credited for Wanaka gesture

A local roading contractor has made a generous offer to the community of Wanaka.

The Roading Company Limited approached the Queenstown Lakes District Council to donate labour and machinery to construct a footpath along Old Racecourse Road.

The offer came after a Wanaka school student was hit by a vehicle in April while walking along the gravel verge to catch the school bus.

“When we learned of the accident we had a look at the road. It was obvious that something needed to be done, which had been identified by the Council but not yet funded,” Mark Cruden, of the Roading Company said.

The Roading Company was delighted to make a contribution that would provide such a direct and immediate benefit to the local community, he said.

The parents of the injured girl, who has since recovered, were extremely grateful for the gesture, Mr Cruden said. It was also well received by the Wanaka Community Board.

“The generosity of the Roading Company will enable this walkway to be built earlier than scheduled,” WCB chairman Lyal Cocks said.

The track would not only link the Mt Iron walking track to Aubrey Road, but would also provide a safer pedestrian environment for the residents there. “These guys deserve a big thank you for this community-spirited initiative,” Mr Cocks said.

The family hoped that the move would spearhead other footpath safety projects in the area, particularly for the entire length of Racecourse Road and Ewing Place.

The Roading Company planned to complete the footpath in conjunction with a recently won contract to construct walkways alongside Beacon Point Road, Aubrey Road and Ballantyne Road in Wanaka.

“The path will run from the Mt Iron walking track link to the Aubrey Road intersection, providing a much safer route for children and pedestrians in general,” Mr Cruden said.