Notable news around Marlborough

Crossroads burgled
An organisation helping Marlburians in need now in in greater need itself. Crossroads Charitable Trust relayed on social media that its food-services facility in Blenheim got burgled over the weekend, with both cash and vouchers stolen.

“Police have been notified and are investigating,” said Crossroads, which also suffered damage to the premises. “While this is disappointing, it won’t stop the mahi being done by our amazing volunteers and supporters each week.”

Crossroads asked anyone with information to contact the organisation or police, adding: “We’d also love to thank our community for the continued support you show us – it means more now than ever.”

Showers scrutinised
Despite reports to the contrary, Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 does not have water going down the drain 24/7, literally or proverbially. Its recently upgraded aquatic changeroom does have showers malfunctioning, but facility says the new equipment is under warranty and expedited for repairs.

“The showers are not running overnight; however, they are taking longer than intended to switch off following use,” General Manager Bridget Taylor told Marlborough Weekly. “Our project manager is currently working closely with the contractors, subcontractors and the shower supplier to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure the facility remains operational, safe and welcoming for our users while these warranty matters are worked through.”

Footbridge reopened
Riverside Park has regained a Taylor River Crossing with the reopening of Crinoline footbridge. Council released the update on Monday afternoon.

As noted in last week’s News Briefs, dredging required removal of the bridge to accommodate the first-time use of a “purpose-built amphibious excavator (nicknamed Swampy”). The reinstalled footbridge got refurbished with non-stick boards.

Council told Marlborough Weekly that final costs should be confirmed this week.

Pyjamas needed
With winter nights nigh, Foster Hope Charitable Trust has renewed its annual drive to collect pyjamas for kids who need them. The local drop-off spot is 7 Philip Place in Blenheim.

The effort continues through June, Blenheim coordinator Leonie McLachlan said – “however, pyjamas can be donated at any time. We distribute them to the social workers during this time to get to the children for the coldest months.”The trust provided 280 pairs of pyjamas in Marlborough and Nelson last year. Already this year, over 100 children have benefitted.

Visit fosterhope.org.nz to donate monetarily or get more information.

Stoplights en route
As reported by Marlborough Weekly in early May and broached at the subsequent Council meeting, redevelopment of Port Marlborough is bringing the first stoplights to the district.

The traffic signals are sited on Lagoon Road between the roundabout and the port’s secured entrance. “The ice is broken,” Mayor Nadine Taylor quipped in the 14 May session. Māori Ward Councillor Allanah Burgess mentioned the milestone while discussing a resident’s idea for the annual plan which proposed stoplights instead of the roundabout at the junction of SH1, SH6 and Dillons Point Road.

Grants divvied up
Council announced a “streamlined” process for Community Grants by divvying up the funding into two streams. Starting in June, Council is splitting off Arts and Heritage Partnership Grants as a separate category from Community Grants.

The Arts, Culture and Heritage Sub-Committee will consider grant applications in those areas, while the Grants Sub-Committee will consider community welfare, social services, sport and recreation requests.

Groups may apply 26 June through 27 July for community-grant funds and 24 August through 21 September for cultural-grant funds.

Email [email protected] or call 03 520 7400 for enquiries.