MEDIA RELEASE

17 September 2010

Hanmer Green Spaces To Be Resown

The green spaces in the middle of Hanmer are to be re-grassed this month as part of the almost two million dollar investment in the upgrading of the town centre.

Contractors are spraying out the Avenue, Village Green and Lodge Reserves with a view to sowing new grass seed by the end of the month to take advantage of the growing season.

They will also be aerating around the roots of the existing trees.

Residents and visitors are asked to please stay off the areas until the new grass has established itself.

Engineer, Brian Earnshaw, says the timing is critical to ensure the grass gets the best chance, but it will mean losing some of the flowering daffodils earlier than normal.

“While that’s unfortunate, it will ensure a luscious green carpet will be in place for the summer and it’s a case of just enjoying the ‘spring blooms’ for as long as they last.”

He says people shouldn’t pick the daffodils as they will be carrying spray.

The council will be replanting bulbs in the autumn.

Work on the upgrading has been delayed as a result of the earthquake in Christchurch, with the contractors called in to help support the initial clean up there.

Brian Earnshaw says they are working now to try to make up the time and are confident, weather permitting, to have the project back on track and on schedule for completion in the first week of December.

The town centre upgrade, which began just after Easter, is designed to improve pedestrian flow, enhance the green space, reduce conflict with vehicles, and help tie the town centre and community together.

It involves the installation of new footpaths, crossings, grass and street furniture.

The bulk of the project is being undertaken by Fulton Hogan with Mainpower installing new streetlights.

ends

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