EDITOR – The letter in your last issue bemoaning the continued demise of the Toti CBD is but one of many complaints.
I too look with disappointment every time I go there to collect post. The post office itself has helped to bring a slight improvement by keeping the box area clean and now securing it against vagrants at night. However a lot more is needed.
The CBD is still an important hub, bringing people in by public transport methods by bus, train and taxi as well as private motorists. It is a pity that it is so difficult to access the area by road and although there is a plan afoot to improve the road network, it will have the effect of drawing traffic away from the CBD.
Now is the time to start planning for a revitalised CBD as it will take years, by which time the economy will be recovering. The council has had a couple of lame attempts to improve the area but it has not worked. Perhaps asking the residents and business people in this area what they would like to see instead of bringing in a readymade plan which after it is completed and the originators departed, is left in our laps.
The first step would be easy for the council as we pay them to do this. Clean up the area. Get rid of the litter and broken pavements. The walkway next to the Perm building is disgusting – get it clean and keep it clean along with the rest. The next step is to improve the road access. If you struggle to get in or get out, it is hardly an encouragement to return.
Amanzimtoti has the potential to become a very exciting residential and commercial area which will be of immense benefit to the whole of the Upper South Coast. So let the improvement begin with a long term goal of total revitalisation.
BOB SKIPPINGS
Ratepayer
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