CrestClean’s Robert Glenie couldn’t be happier after council bosses and contractors approved his innovative idea to solve Ashburton’s “muddy feet” problem.
Long-suffering business owners and retailers have been at their wits’ end after putting up with dirt being trodden into their premises from ongoing work to upgrade the town centre.
The two-year project to turn the central business area into a more pedestrian-friendly environment has been directly impacting businesses whose shopfronts border the work zone. A particularly wet winter has added to the amount of mud and dirt from the construction area being trekked into stores.
Robert, CrestClean’s South Canterbury Regional Manager, said like many other businesses in central Ashburton, his office had been badly affected.
“Everyone who came in was leaving dirty footprints. I was constantly having to get down and mop the carpet to remove the mud and sand marks. It was an ongoing battle trying to keep it clean every day.
“Then I thought, instead of complaining to the council let’s see if we can come up with a solution.”
Robert’s idea was simple – offer each affected business a heavy duty entrance mat and, hey presto, the muddy feet problem would be stopped in its tracks!
“The council thought it was a very good idea but said it was only feasible if the contractor covered the costs involved.”
Rob offered to lead the initiative and work with Ashburton District Council’s contractor Tru-Line Civil to make it happen.
“The contractor had been inundated with complaints through the council,” he says. “They had been scratching their heads on how to solve the problem. They were really excited about my idea and had never considered supplying an entrance mat.
“They were amazed at how reasonably priced they are. I said I could supply the mats and servicing at a cost price and I would lead the project and do a trial to supply every business in town.”
Project manager Conor Redmond delivered the first mats to businesses last week. The heavy duty mats will be picked up and replaced weekly by CrestClean, with Tru-Line Civil picking up the tab for the cleaning.
Contractors were also laying temporary asphalt on some footpaths to reduce dust and dirt.
Harcourts owner Tammy McDougall said having a mat would help and praised those involved for “thinking outside the square” to make life easier for business owners.
Robert says he was delighted to see his idea become a reality. “It’s been rewarding to be involved in working to find a solution that will help our local businesses and their customers.”
