New signage is in store for the North Canterbury Musical Society Inc, following approval of a grant by the Rangiora-Ashley Community Board.

The Board were delighted to grant $500 towards the cost of replacement signage for the Society’s Northbrook Studios building.

The Musical Society are well known throughout North Canterbury for their high quality and entertaining musical productions.

Also on the table was an application for $500 from the Waimakariri Arts Trust Kaiapoi Art Expo, which was funded in its entirety. The group requested a grant towards the promotion of the Kaiapoi Arts Expo and Schools’ Art Expo and other local activities in the Northern Outlook.

This ever-popular event gives artists living in the Waimakariri District the opportunity to showcase their work to several thousand art-lovers. The event will run from 14-15 July.

Members of the Youth Council spoke to the Board about an initiative to create a family and all-age friendly area beside the Dudley Park Skate Park. The thinking behind the idea is that this public space would help to counter some of the unsavoury behaviour going on in the skate park area.

Community Board Chair Jim Gerard says ‘This is a really creative way of looking at how to help reduce some of the undesirable activities in this area. The Board are really supportive of the Youth Council’s request to support this initiative through the Councils Annual Plan and we look forward to seeing their idea progress.’

It will be a busy few months ahead for the Board, with upcoming consultation around the Council’s Annual Plan which is seeking feedback on five key topics:

• Funding ultra-violet (UV) treatment of water supplies
• Implementing the Waimakariri water zone plan addendum (ZIPA)
• Developing tennis courts in Coldstream Road, Rangiora in partnership with local clubs
• Investigating the provision of ‘park and ride’ facilities
• Considering Council’s vision for a sustainability strategy, and Council’s leadership role.

Look out for your local board members who will be popping up around the District at various locations, as they seek the community’s feedback.