A reader says Tauranga's highways have become 'trashways'. Photo / Getty Images
I am becoming increasingly dismayed by the state of our city. Not that long ago we had clean streets, berms and roadsides, incorporated with thoughtful planting.
Sadly, as Tauranga has grown, our highways have become "trashways".
A drive from Barkes Corner to the Crossing, and to the BayPark roundabout, would be examples of this.
Litter is strewn everywhere.
Before the council start planning any future developments, the basics need to be to sorted first.
More recycling and litter bins in public places and prompt, effective cleaning up of litter, in my opinion, is required.
As for those responsible for littering our streets, stop complaining about rising rates and taxes and start being more thoughtful about how you dispose of your rubbish so we can return Tauranga to the clean, green city it once was.
Sharon Houghton
Pyes Pa
Money for jam
As an Auckland-based family who've owned a bach at Waihi Beach since 1988, like the vast majority of adjacent non-resident property owners we've contributed tens of thousands of dollars in near Auckland-level rates over the years.
As non-residents we draw very little on the services and resources of the district they cover, but we're happy to contribute because we love and respect the place.
In effect for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, it's money for jam.
Additionally, we inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
But the one thing we resent is the pathetic services that are offered in return for the short time we have here.
A case in point being the Council-administered recycling station at Anthenree.
After an Easter break families returning home are faced with lugging home all their recycled waste because the council is too tight to open it on the Tuesday, let alone the Monday when everybody needs it.
We get cheap sharp-edged chip gravel in our car parks that are impossible to walk on in bare feet next to the beach. Getting taken for granted has got to stop before we get political and heads will roll.
Phil O'Reilly
Auckland Central
He was four times over the limit but initially claimed he only had 2 beers.