Whanganui council ponder city walkway closures

Smart Terrace walkway

Two Whanganui city walkways could be permanently closed as the council reviews the cost and need of their upkeep.

The Whanganui District Council is considering closing the Smart Tce and Burnett Tce walkways which connect St Johns Hill with the city.

If that proposal goes ahead council will repair the currently closed Alexa Place walkway in the same area at a cost of about $60,000.

The council says there has already been "significant investment in maintenance of the Alexa Place walkway" since 2013.

"Alexa Place is not as steep as Smart Tce and therefore is more user‐friendly from a walker's perspective," the proposal says.

"It is also closer to Christies Hill to provide a loop option for walkers exercising in the area."

But along with that option the public is also being asked to consider two others - closing all three or maintaining all three - as part of consultation.

A 2016 survey of city walkways found the three were the least used of eight tracks in the city.

Following consultation, a decision will be made by the council's property and community services committee.

Committee chairwoman Helen Craig encouraged people to give the council feedback.

"It is a good time to consider the future viability of these walkways, particularly when there are a number of alternative routes to get to and from St John's Hill from the base of the hill," she said.

The alternative routes include the NZTA shared pathway currently under construction, the Victoria Park walkway, Hillside Tce (Christies Hill walkway), Ghost Track A and Ghost Track B.

"We want to know what people think and whether they have any ideas about what they would prefer," Ms Craig said.

People can submit online and see a detailed map at www.whanganui.govt.nz/haveyoursay or by filling out a submission form at the council building on Guyton St or at the Whanganui District libraries.

Public submissions on the proposal close on November 27.