The annual Waimate 50 motor race will go ahead next month, despite the objections of one local business owner, who says the event would result in lost revenue.
The Waimate District Council received just one objection, from Video Ezy, to a publicised road closure that would close most of the town's main street for the event, and also charge for pedestrian access between 4pm and 8pm on October 26, and between 8am and 3pm the following day.
Although Video Ezy's head office in Auckland requested $3000 in compensation for lost business at its Queen St store, Waimate Mayor John Coles said no compensation would be provided by ratepayers.
Mr Coles said the event would go ahead at Labour Weekend, as planned.
''The council has the powers under the Local Government Act that we can close roads, so I guess that's the bottom line for us. We do have those powers to do that, and I guess a lot of other businesses are affected, too, but we only had the one objection.
''I do see the greater benefit for the whole town in having this event and it's unfortunate that Video Ezy, where they are placed in the main street, are quite badly affected. But I think the pluses are so much greater for our town in putting us on the map.''
He said the compensation claim was turned down because it could set a precedent.
''You could have the whole main street wanting compensation and it's not over to the ratepayers, because we do have that power to close roads.
''Overall, it's for the greater betterment of our town,'' he said.
Nobody from Video Ezy was available for comment yesterday.
