A group of Hampden residents is seeking construction of a toilet block in the town that will be recognisable and encourage visitors to stop.
The colourful Hundertwasser Toilets at Kawakawa, in Northland, had become an attraction for visitors, Trevor Norton said.
The suggestion from Mr Norton, Elizabeth Norton and Howard Selwood was made at a public forum of the Waihemo Community Board in Palmerston this week, where there was some concern there had been no discussion with Hampden people about the siting and design of the new toilets. Mr Norton said a ''fait accompli'' had been presented to residents.
The proposed site on the street frontage south of the Hampden Memorial hall was criticised at the forum as it was taking up space used by the Hampden market. An alternative site was suggested at the back of the Hampden hall. There was adequate parking on the street for traffic travelling on State Highway 1.
The board resolved to reconsider the toilets at its next meeting on Monday, March 31, by which time the board and community could consider options. Funding of $100,000 had been set aside for construction of the toilets in the Waitaki District Council's annual plan.
- Waihemo Community Board chairman Geoff Foote said seven of more than 20 stray cats seen recently in the Palmerston town centre had been re-homed by volunteers. After the meeting, he said the community board and council staff were reluctant to get involved in the re-homing because of the cost.
