Bay beauty spot to get facelift by volunteers

Volunteers will clean up the popular Maraetotara Falls environs tomorrow. Photo / File

One of the region's most popular tourist spots is set for a summer makeover.

The public is invited to join Hastings District Council's Keep Hastings Beautiful team in cleaning up the area surrounding Maraetotara Falls tomorrow.

Hastings deputy mayor Cynthia Bowers says the "most amazing part of Hawke's Bay" is visited by thousands of locals and tourists each year. "The carpark and surrounding area is in need of a clean-up to ensure that it is presented in pristine condition for our visitors," she said.

"We ask that everyone who visits this area removes their rubbish, but there are some who just leave paper, coffee cups and other garbage in the carpark. It blows around through nearby bush and becomes an eyesore. This wonderful part of Hawke's Bay is for everyone to enjoy and it is disappointing that the behaviour of a few people spoils it for others.

"If members of the public join the Keep Hastings Beautiful team, it shouldn't take very long to pick up the rubbish and ensure that our visitors can again see the Maraetotara Falls in all their glory."

Hastings police Sergeant Andrew Graham said police were working with the council and local residents to identify antisocial behaviour in the carparks and on roads in the Maraetotara Falls area.

"Car break-ins and traffic related incidents are an ongoing problem, with many incidents perpetrated by opportunist thieves," he said.

"It is important that cars are securely locked and anything of value is removed before people venture away from the carpark. Police surveillance of the carparking areas has increased over the summer months in an effort to stamp out this antisocial behaviour and ensure visitors have a memorable experience.

"Keeping our community clean and safe is the responsibility of the whole community.

"If you witness any suspicious or antisocial behaviour, please report it immediately to police by phoning 111 or, if it relates to urgent but not life-threatening road incidents, call *555."

-Anyone who would like to join in the clean-up should meet in the middle carpark at Maraetotara Falls tomorrow at 10.30am. All gloves, pick-up sticks, graffiti wipes, rubbish bags and hand sanitiser will be provided. The carpark is on Maraetotara Rd, just off Waimarama Rd. Further details are available at facebook.com/keephastingsbeautiful