Stratford motorhome friendly

Stratford has been named a motorhome friendly town by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association and is the
first town in Taranaki to be awarded this status.

With around 46,000 association members, and growing,  Stratford can expect some economic fallout, Taranaki area chairman Joe Kirk said on presenting the honour to  Stratford District Council last week.

``This was awarded to Stratford for putting themselves forward to become a motorhome friendly town, criteria being that they allow motorhomes to freedom park in designated places in town with the town having a public dump
site and medical facilities available 24 hours a day,'' he said.

``Local businesses will notice an increase in business as the average motorhome spending per day is $75. Also,
motorhomers like to visit places of interest in your area which in turn will bring in more revenue.''

 With the national rally  in New Plymouth next year, Stratford could expect ``thousands'' coming down The Forgotten World Highway, he said.

Stratford mayor Neil Volzke said clean-green NZNCA members were welcome.