Ramp to war memorial provides easier access

Three members of the Upper Clutha RSA Anzac Day organising committee  (from left) Mike Thomas,...
Three members of the Upper Clutha RSA Anzac Day organising committee (from left) Mike Thomas, former navy commander Lyal Cocks and Ralph Fegan stand on the new ramp. Photo by Lucy Ibbotson.
Paying respect at Wanaka's war memorial has been made much easier for people with access issues, thanks to a new ramp.

Paid for by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, the ramp is a 1.5m wide gravel pathway and one of two projects the Upper Clutha Returned and Services Association is undertaking this year in Wanaka to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

The other is restoring the cenotaph on the council reserve at the top of Chalmers St, which will be undertaken later in the year.

The ramp, which will eventually be sealed, provides an alternative access to the existing steep stairs that connect the car park and cenotaph.

Upper Clutha RSA Anzac Day organising committee member Mike Thomas said the aim had been to complete the ramp in time for this year's April 25 commemorations, making the cenotaph more accessible for people with disabilities or in wheelchairs.

''In recent years we've had increasing numbers at our services, both at Anzac Day and Armistice Day, and we've noted in the past that access up the steps hasn't been easy for people and that's why we've tried to improve access to the cenotaph to make things easier for returned servicemen and their families.''

It was hoped the cenotaph restoration work would be completed in time for Armistice Day in November, he said.

-lucy.ibbotson@odt.co.nz

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