Christchurch council threatens residents
Port Hills residents refusing to leave their homes are being threatened by the Christchurch City Council
Port Hills residents refusing to leave their homes are being threatened by the Christchurch City Council
“Notices to fix” are being issued by the council on 27 homes that a private investigator has spied on to discover if residents were living there.
The council claims the homes are in danger from rockfall, cliff collapse and landslide.
Many of the residents claim there never has been a danger or it is minimal and they are prepared to sign waivers of responsibility for the council. They believe the council is being heavy handed because of concerns about liability.
"We are aware of 27 properties where people continue to reside, despite the issue of notices prohibiting entry. Today we will issue secondary notices to these properties,” according to council general manager regulation and democracy services, Peter Mitchell.
The Notice to Fix reiterates the first section 124 notice and requires compliance within 20 working days – January 18, 2012. If residents remain in these homes after that date, the council will consider applying to the District Court for an injunction. It is unclear what will happen after that.
One of the affected residents who declined to be named questioned why there should be a delay of 20 working days if the council really believed there was a risk.
The council has issued to around 500 homes notices prohibiting entry under section 124 of the Building Act since 22 February 2011.
Numerous walking and cycling tracks plus the Summit Road have been closed since February but many residents are ignoring the signs.
Chris Hutching
Thu, 15 Dec 2011
Thu, 15 Dec 2011
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Christchurch council threatens residents
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