It’s great to see plenty of people moving in and around Ashburton’s CBD – whether you’re there to shop or visit a bar, café or restaurant.

Buying local is a way to ensure our business community stays strong, in the wake of some big challenges over the past two years.

Council supports those who are helping spread this message and coming up with creative ways to keep people connected.

The Ashburton District Business of the Year Awards are one way Council, with the help of sponsors ANZ and Ri Ra Events, can help keep the spotlight on local companies and service providers.

Last week we released the five finalists in the People’s Choice for Retail Awards and this week we will be releasing the finalists in each of the six business categories. The judges got together on Tuesday afternoon and scrutinised the entries of more than 50 businesses.

The process reminded all involved that there are some new and established businesses in our district that aspire to excellence and achieve that on a regular basis.

We know that’s been a challenge since the country has been dealing with Covid-19, but you know the old saying about how diamonds are created … they’re just carbon atoms under a high temperature and pressure.

So we value all the gems in our business community and look forward to a celebration event next February when we name the winners.

There are plenty of options for parking in Ashburton and if you don’t mind walking 100 metres or so then a spot in the West Street carpark is your best option. The northern and southern ends of this carpark are for all-day parking and used by workers at businesses in the CBD; there are other all-day parks for workers on the eastern side of town.

On-street parking in the CBD is for short-term shoppers and it is free, as long as you follow the signs and park within the time indicated.

Council uses parking wardens to make sure these short-term shoppers move on as intended, creating a turnover of vehicles and making sure there is always a park for others.

Remember that the CBD is now 30km/h for vehicles, so slow down and absorb the changes.

You might have noticed that Council has changed the road signs and markings at the intersection of Havelock and Cass and at Moore and Cass streets. Traffic on Cass Street is now controlled by stop signs; the road lines have also been changed following a recent safety audit and feedback from the community.