Book funds improvements to Clive War Memorial

The success of a book about the history of Clive has ensured the Clive Charitable Historic Trust can do its bit in having the War Memorial smartened up as the countdown to the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli gets under way.

Funds from sales of the book, which was released last year, went to a string of organisations based in Clive, including the Clive Community Group which last year approached the Hastings District Council asking that the memorial be restored.

Hastings District Councillor Rod Heaps said commemoration services in 2015 would have added significance and it was felt the project needed to be progressed to ensure the memorial and its surrounds reflected the added importance of the occasion.

"Council has combined with the Clive Community Group, the Returned Services Association, the New Zealand Transport Agency and volunteers to ensure this project meets the expectations of the community," Mr Heaps said.

The revamp will include new concrete, repairing cracks in the concrete walls and fresh paint.

"In addition, the Clive Charitable Historic Trust has made a donation to cover the cost of installing uplighting of the memorial that will brighten the whole area during the evening."

Clive Community Group chairman Tony Loversuch said he was delighted the project had come to fruition.

"The Clive area has undergone some significant improvements in recent times including upgrades to the shopping area and swimming pool, the development of Evers-Swindell Reserve, the installation of new seating by the river and a new BMX track.

"The upgrade of the memorial is a welcome addition to these initiatives."