The new clip-on cycle and pedestrian lane on the Cobham Bridge will be officially opened on Saturday, September 28.

Wanganui Mayor Chas Poynter and Transit New Zealand CEO Dr Robin Dunlop will jointly open the new section. The opening will take place at the southern (Putiki) end of the bridge and those present will be invited to walk or cycle across the new cycleway.

A plaque will be erected in memory of Wanganui boys Zane Cutter and Colin Morgan who were tragically killed on the bridge in February 2000.

With the fire season fast approaching, we remind rural residents that some areas are restricted for fires (refer to the map).

If you require further information, please contact:

• Department of Conservation (phone 345 2402) regarding the areas marked in green.
• New Zealand Fire Service (phone 348 0103) or Wanganui District Council (phone 349 0001) for other information.

The NIWA forecast for the coming fire season is drier and hotter than average so we urge everyone to take extreme care with fire.

To September 29: New Zealand Roller Hockey Nationals
Venue: Jubilee Stadium.

September 28: Rivercity Markets
Venue: Wanganui Racecourse car park. 8am-1pm.

September 28: Take a Kid Trout Fishing
Venue: Virginia Lake. 7am-3pm.

September 28: Full Contact Thai Boxing
Venue: War Memorial Hall. Doors open 6pm, starts 7pm.

September 28: Walkway Opening, Cobham Bridge
10am. Opening of walkway and cycle track access.

September 29: Country Music Afternoon
Venue: Koitiata Hall, Turakina Beach. 1.30pm.

September 29: Wanganui Surfcasting and Angling Club - Ladies' Fishing Contest
Venue: Fisherman's Wharf to North Mole. 9am-3pm.

September 29: Vintage Motorcross - Johnson's Classic Scramble
Venue: Signposted from No 2 Line heading for Fordell. 9am.

To October 20: Lismore Forest Closed
Lismore Forest is closed to the public until October 20.

More information about things to do in the Wanganui District is available from the Visitor Information Centre, 101 Guyton Street.

The Council has arranged for a 12-month trial for the public to have free P120 time-restricted parking in St Hill and Watt Streets. This arrangement will be instead of the present parking meters.

The trial starts on Monday, October 7.

The trial will help the Council to find out whether the free parking will encourage more shoppers to park near the Central Business District. It has been suggested that the availability of this type of parking is important in retaining the economic vitality of the area.

The changeover work will commence on Monday, September 30. The Council's roading maintenance contractor, Works Infrastructure Ltd, and parking enforcement staff will do the work. The major work involves changing signage and removing the parking meter heads. The parking meter poles will remain for the trial.

During the changeover there will be some disruption to parking in these areas. Your patience and co-operation during the changeover will be greatly appreciated.

Nominations for the Wanganui Community Awards are now being sought.

The Awards will be made to persons who have carried out meritorious voluntary service in Wanganui.

Applicants will require to be nominated by two citizens of Wanganui, or a bona fide organisation.

Please note:
Previous nominations will not be considered for selection. Only those persons nominated this year will be considered, as nominations do not "roll over" annually.

Nomination forms and Conditions of Nomination are available from the Customer Services Desk, Ground Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, 1 November 2002.

The District Council has recently let a new contract to Waste Management Ltd to provide and clear refuse bins in the rural area. The new contract commences on 1 September 2002, with the collection schedule as follows:

Waste Management Ltd will be tidying up and refurbishing the bins over the first two months of the contract. No separate provision for recycling will be provided.

Residents are reminded that the bins are provided for disposal of domestic refuse only. Hazardous wastes such as car batteries, chemicals or noxious waste, such as dead animals, should not be disposed of in the bins.

Hearings
Wednesday, October 9

Wanganui Rural Community Board
Thursday, October 10

Economic Development
Tuesday, October 15

Community Development
Wednesday, October 16

Environment
Thursday, October 17

Unless otherwise notified, the meetings will commence at 2.00pm in Committee Room 2, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.

The Council welcomes members of the public to attend its meetings.

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