Street signs ready as subdivision work progresses quickly in Stratford

Mayor Neil Volzke (far left) joins a few councillors and Shakespeare on the subdivision site with the new street signs.

Just a week after they were selected, Stratford's newest street names are already on signs ready to be erected.

Stratford mayor Neil Volzke says the signs aren't the only things progressing well when it comes to work on the Council-led residential subdivision.

"I am very pleased with the progress made to date, and I am looking forward to putting the For Sale sign up soon as well."

That's likely to be up by the middle of the year, he says.

"It is anticipated sections will go on sale mid-year however expressions of interest are now being taken by Council's appointed marketing agent McDonald Real Estate Stratford."

Sven Hanne, Stratford District Council chief executive, says the subdivision, off Pembroke Road, has been steadily taking shape since construction work began in February.

"The contractors have resourced the project well, which, combined with the fine weather means great progress has been made. The roadways are now defined and the final layout is now clearly visible."

Last week, Council formally adopted the names for the four streets being created in the subdivision.

They were chosen from entries in the Name Thy Street competition held late last year where the community were asked to suggest names with an affiliation to Shakespeare.

Councillor Gloria Webby, who led the Name Thy Street competition, says 127 entries were received.

She says the winning names were each suggested by a number of people.

"While a number of people had suggested some of the winning names these people won because of the reason they gave. We had a fabulous response and we thank everyone who put in a suggestion."

The winners are: Heather Hodges (Bianca), Thenula Carson (Macbeth), Rachel Payne (Midsummer), and Alyssa Smith (Othello).

In suggesting Bianca, Heather said the name meant white in Italian, "reflecting the colour of snow on the mountain that dominates our town".

Thenula said Macbeth was the shortest of Shakespeare's tragedies and was to the point - with no subplots or diversions.

Midsummer, said Rachel, is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays. It is a comedy, she said, "and life should be a little more lighthearted and fun".

Stratford Press reporter Alyssa suggested Othello, saying while the tale was a tragedy, it could also serve as a positive reminder as to how society has changed from Shakespeare's time.

"Othello is about two lovers from different cultures who couldn't be together because of it. Now our society is more inclusive and has grown in terms of accepting others regardless of race, gender or colour."

Disclosure: Ilona Hanne is married to Sven Hanne, CEO of Stratford District Council.