LOUIS TRICHARDT – Notice is hereby given to all citizens who would like to voice their objection against Council's proposed rezoning of the Tree Park for business purposes to attend a public meeting on January 13.

The purpose of the meeting, which will begin at 10:00 in the church hall Dutch Reformed Church on the corner of Stubbs and Anderson Street, will be to assess the nature and scale of the objection to the rezoning of the Tree Park. It will also give the opportunity to draft a formal citizens objection to the proposed rezoning. In addition, there will be an explanation as to the importance of public participation in the Environmental Impact Assessment meeting to be held on January 17 at 12:00 at the showground hall.

People who are not able to attend Monday's meeting, are urged to sign a petition of which copies are available at the Soutpansberg Tourism Office, Ricky's Superliner, Spar and Babies & Boppers.

The Tree Park is the green belt planted with indigenous trees that runs along the western side of the N1 between the new tourism complex to Stubbs Street. The late and well-known Dr Beyers van Rensburg who died last year established it in 1978. The purpose of its establishment was to highlight the importance of indigenous trees as part of the area's natural heritage. Today the Tree Park is an important part of the town's character and charm. It is one of the town's greatest assets in terms of tourism, recreation, spiritual fulfilment and environmental education. The Tree Park gives the town a unique attraction, distinguishing it from other small towns in the province.