Rotorua eyesore could become reserve (+video)

A public eyesore and dumping ground that is "worse than ever before" could become a new reserve if the community gets behind a clean-up.

The area, on the other side of the railway walkway in Koutu, is currently littered with household rubbish, including mattresses, old couches, wood and discarded toys.

Koutu resident Terry Phillips told the Rotorua Daily Post the site was a major concern and painted a bad picture of the area.

"It's a real shame for our area to be like this. For those dumping their household items, it's just a quick fix for them but creates an issue for the rest of us.

"I want the community to band together and say 'we won't tolerate this' so we can instead turn it into something we can use and be proud of."

Mr Phillips approached the Rotorua Lakes Council asking for help to turn the dumping ground into a new reserve.

He said the area was a real eyesore and was a major detraction from the railway walkway which was used by locals and tourists.

"It doesn't complement all the other reserves the council works so hard to maintain in this area. Hundreds of people use the railway walkway but on the other side it's a dumping ground."

Council Sport and Recreation manager Rob Pitkethley said the council had entered into preliminary discussion with Mr Phillips.

"We haven't discussed any details at this point following Mr Phillips' initial approach, so will need to have further talks to firm up what can be done.

"However, the council is always keen to assist with and support community projects like this which help improve neighbourhoods for residents and will also contribute generally to Rotorua looking its best.

"If we can create something the community can use, be proud of and have a sense of ownership over, many of the previous problems will disappear."