Retailers dark over paying for new lights

They'll be jumping up and down, rates are dear enough.John Atwill Wairoa commercial property owners may have to pay the cost of installing lights under shop verandas.

At its meeting on Tuesday Wairoa District Council voted to refer the matter to the Long Term Plan where funding could be investigated.

A report estimates the cost of installing lights at $128,750 with annual costs to be about $10,000.

Lighting is proposed for Marine Parade both east and west of the roundabout and for shops in North Clyde.

Councillor Craig Little said the Gaiety Theatre lighting had made a big difference to that part of town at night. "I've been there when the lights are off and it's just dark, dingy and dangerous," he said.

Councillor Benita Cairns said retailers would benefit, giving them the option of being open at night.

Mayor Les Probert noted the poor condition of many verandas. "You go down there on wet days and there is water pouring out of them."

Engineering manager Neil Cook said retailers saw the issue as one of public safety and amenity and the the verandas were on space legally defined as road.

John Atwill, manager of Marine Parade pie shop Osler's, told Hawke's Bay Today he was unaware of the issue and that retailers would not think it was fair if they had to pay for the lighting. "They'll be jumping up and down, rates are dear enough."

He said if shopkeepers were responsible for street lighting it would be even darker on the streets at night. "People wouldn't change them. I wouldn't be bothered about coming out here and putting lighting up because we're here in the day time."