Green Street residents want hell-hole fixed

By Melissa Meehan
RESIDENTS in Green Street, Yarra Glen are celebrating a small win having presented the Shire of Yarra Ranges staff last week with a petition to fix their unsatisfactory road.
Last week the Mail reported on the fiery discussion between residents and Ryrie Ward Councillor Jeanette McRae and shire manager for civil development Mark Varmalis outside the back entrance to Yarra Glen Primary School.
Les King and fellow residents pleaded for Forest Street in Yarra Glen to be rural sealed, as its current state was less than satisfactory.
“The street is a dirt road full of potholes in winter and scattered with dust in the summer,” said Mr King.
Mr Varmalis said from the council’s point of view, a rural seal would not be appropriate for Forest Street despite residents’ claims that it had stood the test of time on Mill Road, Yarra Glen, for more than 40 years.
“It is a short-term solution and we want something much more long term,” Mr Varmalis said.
Cr McRae said she agreed work needed to be done on the road and now that the council had received the petition it would follow through the residents’ claims.
“I agree that the street is in diabolical condition,” Cr McRae said.
“It is difficult not to focus on the pot holes rather then looking out for kids when driving on it.”
Mr King contacted the Mail late last week, with a report that the road had been graded and the potholes filled.
“It is much better now, but we will continue to push for a rural seal,” Mr King said.