Lights fix will sting locals

Ratepayers will be picking up the tab for the water-proofing of heritage lights in Greytown's Main St as a manufacturer's warranty has long since expired.

South Wairarapa District Council has estimated work on each of the 21 lights that adorn the heritage precinct would cost $980 to ensure water does not infiltrate them, a total estimated cost of $20,580.

Acting chief executive Paul Crimp confirmed yesterday the cost would fall to council and said it was likely the water proofing of the lights would be done bit-by-bit.

The manufacturer has asked for the lights to be returned to the factory after an inspection of the lights was done.

Installation of the lights back in mid 2000 changed the face of Greytown and followed on the heels of work that saw the main street's power supply go underground.

Previously the town centre had been a maze of mostly concrete power poles.

Powerco in conjunction with sub-contractors Bruce Buchanan Ltd initially put in 800m of underground cabling from Jellicoe St south at a cost of $153,000, and telephone cables were laid in the same trench.

Greytown Community Board was quick to take hold of the opportunity to maximise the effect of the underground power supply by voting to scrap the concrete power poles for the heritage lights.

Mr Crimp said councillors were continuing to investigate whether South Wairarapa was the only council in the country with the type of light fittings now needing work and said looking at its options may involve council trying to determine whether there was any "design fault" with the lights.

He has been acting chief executive since the departure of Dr Jack Dowds and confirmed yesterday he intends to apply for the full-time position.