Protests by Riccarton residents against Christchurch City Council plans to close or reduce a number of the suburbs amenities have been successful.

The council has just released the finalised Long Term Plan, which is set to be adopted at a council meeting on Monday.

Swimmers from the Wharenui Swimming Club were among those who turned up to a meeting this afternoon to voice concerns over many aspects of the Christchurch City Council’s draft Long Term Plan.

If the plan is put in place, Wharenui Pool will be closed, the bus lounges in Riccarton Road will close, and the mobile library service will be cut. Among other changes, rates citywide will increase 4% a year over the next 10 years, library services will be reduced, and funding that supports community organisations will be cut.

Submissions on the plan close on Thursday, 18th March, and because of the tight time-frame, in an unprecedented move, residents group from around the city rallied today to express their joint concerns.

The iconic Wharenui pool in Matipo St is under threat of being closed, one of several Riccarton facilities threatened under the City Council's new draft Long Term Plan. The council says Wharenui pool will close when the Metro Sports facility, on the corner of St Asaph and Antigua Streets, opens. In addition to losing the pool, residents face the loss of the bus lounges in Riccarton Rd, and the mobile library service.

Brilliant sunshine and a lively crowd made Connect Day 2021 a day to enjoy.

Connect Day is a joint project between the Oak Development Trust and Canterbury University, to promote relationships and help residents meet their neighbours. Here is a gallery of pics from the afternoon. (Click on an image to see a larger version.)