Amberley is a flourishing community, and with the construction of a new ‘link road’ getting underway today (the second new link road in less than a year), it will also become a more connected community.

The new link road will be called ‘Anderson Street’ after local identity Mollie Anderson, in an acknowledgment of Mrs. Anderson’s momentous contribution and dedication to recycling in Amberley.

Consultant for the Hurunui District Council, Bruce Yates, described Mrs. Anderson as a “pioneer in recycling”, explaining she had a huge impact for Amberley.

“She and a few other concerned locals started up a recycling operation in Amberley in the early 1980s, when growing concerns about the state and future of landfills began to gain traction on a national scale… Mollie and her helpers accepted, sorted and disposed of recycling materials on Saturday mornings, initially from the old fire station but then at the council depot in Carters Road and the adjoining ‘Frew block’ over which this new street will run” he said. “Very few, if any, local body leaders in NZ would not have heard of Mollie Anderson and her inspirational leadership in environmental responsibility.”

Anderson Street will connect Saleyard Drive (which runs off Courage Road beside Farmlands) to Carters Road (SH 1) beside PGG Wrightson, creating an alternative link for pedestrians and motorists.

The recently built Johnson Avenue (connecting Hilton Street, off Pound Street, to Claremont Avenue in the Oakfields subdivision) is reportedly being very well utilised. This new street gives the community in South-East Amberley access through to the post office, the medical centre and the mall without the need to cross State Highway 1.

Amberley Councillor, Michael Ward, has spoken on the emergence of Johnson Avenue and Anderson Street, explaining they show Amberley linking together cohesively as it grows. “The new streets are all about community connectedness” he said.

CEO of the Hurunui District Council, Hamish Dobbie, said that the new streets are a really good indicator of ongoing growth. “The council has every confidence that this growth in Amberley will continue. The new streets demonstrate this positive economic strength in both the business and residential sectors.”

Construction of the new street has been awarded to Texco Excavating.

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