Dannevirke: Physio's parking plea causes a stir

Agreeing to a designated parking space outside a local physiotherapy practice in Denmark St could set a precedent one community board member is not happy about.

Physiotherapist Jane Kilmister has asked the Dannevirke Community Board to consider a specific parking space outside her premises to allow people on crutches, walking frames and in wheelchairs easy access.

Ms Kilmister said that, while parking was available in the adjacent carpark, it was a long way for those temporarily incapacitated to walk to her premises.

However, Tim Delaney, a member of the Dannevirke Community Board says he is reticent to agree to the request.

"We could see a number of these requests coming in if we set a precedent here," he said. "For example, the vet clinic on the same street may make a similar request, or Michael Short for his doctor's surgery on Victoria Ave. I wouldn't want to make a decision right now."

Fellow board member Ross Macdonald said the board would not be setting a precedent because there were other specific parking and loading zones within the town.

Tararua District Council governance manager Richard Taylor said a loading zone might be a better option, rather than a designated parking space.

"You've got to balance up the request from Jane against the general needs of the community," he said. "This will remove a carpark."

Community board chairman Bob Dresser said members needed to check out how bad the parking was in Denmark St before making a decision.

"We're only talking about dropping and off and picking up," he said. "But we've got to talk to other tenants in the building occupied by Jane, as well as those in adjoining businesses. We need to have consultation before we make a decision."

The application by Ms Kilmister noted that most of her clients did not hold a mobility permit, therefore the option of disability parking was not appropriate. The board has indicated it will make a decision at its November meeting.