LITHGOW'S CBD is gradually emerging from the neglected image of the past- an unfortunate image fostered by landlords who want the rent but no civic responsibility and by successive Councils with little appreciation of effective greening.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But things are changing and it's delightful to observe a classy paint job under way on what is arguably the CBD's most impressive heritage building, the National Australia Bank - a level of presentation befitting the city's oldest continuous business premises.
The classic bank site is these days we believe owned by an absentee investor and it would be nice to think the project would inspire some of the more tardy counterparts, even to including some prominent half finished paint jobs.
Full marks on this occasion, though, to Lithgow Council who are well advanced on landscaping of the new look Pioneer Park at the top end of Main Street. It's a class act.
Revival time
THERE'S other good news from Main Street too with three long term vacant shops in the east end about to come back to life. The buzz in the street is that there are new roles for the former Corrective Service parole office (Robsons), Spillets Embroidery and a former double fronted antique shop on the northern side vacant since storm damage a few years back.
A chiropractor and another antique business are reportedly in the mix. Add to that the work well under way on the former Grand Central Hotel and things are really moving in that part of town.
What signs?
FURTHER down town at Cook Plaza it's still pigeon central and the messy little monsters are leaving their mark everywhere. Last week Council installed an artwork that looks like a rusted steel edifice with the term Lithgow embossed. No signage yet so we assume it's a tribute to our steel making history. The point of this, though, is that after just two days it had been festooned in disgusting pigeon poo which will no doubt get worse in rapid time. The problem will never be resolved while people continue to shamelessly and regularly feed the flock right under Council signs imploring 'Don't Feed The Birds'.
Time to introduce fines and regular ranger visits.
The odd man out
ODD things happen in sport and high places. Margaret Court openly preaches homophobic mantra through her church ministry and gets the nation's highest civilian Oz Day honour for her long gone tennis career. Israel Folau does the same thing on social media and gets thrown out of a million dollar footy career. Now, if he takes up tennis ... !