Through your columns, I would like to point out the deplorable state of affairs at the village.
Under Council management, this wonderful city asset has sunk to an all time low..No consideration has been given to the synergy of tenants and no overall purpose, except to get rent from the property. The result is now a mismatch of retail, exhibits and social services.The toilet block has been tagged, we have dope smoking youngsters hanging about, girls doing pregnancy tests in the women's toilet block, flower pots overturned, windows broken, skateboards, and the ‘no smoking' and ‘no dogs' signs are completely ignored.
Tauranga is abysmally lacking in Tourist and Event destinations and the village is perfect for both, but needs careful and considerate management. It is a tribute to our past, and a gift of hours of work and donations from the people of Tauranga which is not being given due respect and the right promotion.Sadly we have lost most of the great attractions, e.g. The steam train,[ and Shantytown now reaps the benefit of that,] before the whole village is lost would the Council please relinquish management to a group that cares and restore this precious asset to a viable attraction or it will be too late,
Bonnie Leonard, Tauranga.