Waimea Weekly
Support and Respect We can provide every service and option, and leave you with memories of a lifetime of love. 544 4400 • www.wrfs.co.nz
Your Community Newspaper
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Setting the benchmark
1st Birthday Celebrations
Package for Phoenix fans
See Pages 18 -19
Page 4
Page 21
Cyclist hits out at ‘steep’ ramp Phillip Rollo
An elderly user of the new Richmond to Brightwater suspension bridge has hit out at the difficulty it takes to get off it, after he crashed his bike last week. Sixty-six year old Richmond resident Trevor Higgs was cycling home following a visit to Brightwater. The gradient of the ramp on the southern side was low enough
that he could comfortably cycle up it before proceeding across the bridge. When he got to the northern end he decided to cycle down the exit ramp, only to find himself flying head first over the handle bars. Stuart Hughes, the project manager for the 80 metre long suspension bridge, confirmed that early feedback showed some concern over the steepness of the ramp. But he was adamant that cyclists should be
walking their bikes. “Right from the start there has been comment on the steepness of the ramps, etc. If you have it too flat then you’re encouraging them to ride down it,” say Stuart. Trevor, still recovering from some bruising, says there was no signage to indicate that he should have been walking, especially after the ease of getting onto the bridge from the other end. “I was in agony
there for awhile. Luckily for me, being Saturday, there were people around and they came to my aid,” says Trevor. A fellow cyclist offered Trevor a ride home in his ute, before he booked a visit with the duty doctor on Waimea Rd. There was also another accident, when a younger boy was “racing” down the ramp, SEE PAGE 2
Brightwater mural unveiled A new mural depicting the history of Brightwater was officially unveiled on Friday. The mural is situated at the Brightwater Domain and was opened after six months of work by community groups throughout the township. The majority of the painting was done by local artist Marie Greeks, the neighbour of Brightwater community association chairperson Dorothy Rogers. “It’s something great for the kindy kids to look up everyday,” says Dorothy. The wall shows historic icons of Brightwater such as the water wheel that powered the first street lamps. Waimea councillor Brian Ensor and two Brightwater School students unveiled the wall. Photo: Phillip Rollo.
Additional copies $1
100% locally owned and operated
www.waimeaweekly.co.nz