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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10 2016
Wednesday February 10 2016
Bay Harbour News Proudly locally owned and published by Star Media
BAY HARBOUR
379 7100 PAGE 1
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Brookhaven, Heathcote, Ferrymead ,Redcliffs, Mt. Pleasant, Sumner, Lyttelton, Diamond Harbour, Governors Bay, Akaroa
Call to review freedom camper bylaw Residents angry with mess left in Ferrymead, Banks Peninsula
CAITLIN MILES
Freedom campers are causing problems in Ferrymead and in Banks Peninsula, with overcrowded areas, problems with unsanitary toileting and dangerous parking. Problems have been reported at the Windsport Park in Ferrymead, Robinsons Bay and French Farm where the city council allowed freedom camping after passing a bylaw in December. Nearby residents want the bylaw reviewed earlier than its expected 2017 date, by the end of the summer. Fifteen complaints have been
laid with city council about Windsport Park. Reports of 50-70 vehicles camped in the car park meant park users had nowhere to go, people have overstayed the allotted time and there were sanitary concerns around the overuse of toilets. City council licensing and compliance manager Fiona Proudfoot said there had been a problem with the toilet block. Portaloos were now on site and an enviornmental health officer said increased cleaning would be required. “The grassed area used by
windsport has been signed as no camping permitted,” she said. “Education leaflets” had been provided to campers. In Akaroa, residents are concerned that freedom campers have been moved from the business area to more residential areas. Robinson Bay resident Sue Lovett said she had talked with others and said locals “feel vulnerable” with freedom campers set up outside their homes. “Who wants to see people hanging knickers hanging up outside cars and cooking break-
Board chairwoman Pam Richardson said additional signage would be put in the areas, including at French Farm. Ms Lovett said a tougher approach was needed, saying fines should be implemented. Mrs Richardson said concerned residents were invited to talk with the community board about their concerns.
fast when you want to enjoy the view,” she said. Vehicles overcrowd prime visiting spots, litter scatters the footpaths and roads and locals feel vulnerable as freedom campers set up outside their homes. She said next year was too late to wait for a review by city council. “Once behaviour is ingrained it’s hard to change. “It’s not reasonable for people to be parking outside homes,” she said. Akaroa-Waiwera Community
Have your say Have you experienced problems with freedom camping near where you live? Do you think the city council should urgently review the by law? Email bridget.rutherford@ starmedia.kiwi
NEW YEAR NEW FACES
Another school year has rolled around and Our Lady Star of the Sea School welcomed a number of new entrants. Art was one of the subjects the new entrants worked on in their first ever week of school. Among the class was: (clockwise from front middle) Phoebe Chapman, Sofia Marshall, Mathilda Froggatt, Liam Miller, Zavier Symington, Mrs Greig, Nathan Soper, Isabella Girvan, George Martin, Zoe hall, Isabella Cutforth, Anika Heather, Molly Ryan, Charlie-Rose Powell and Holly Hembry.
INSIDE:
Business booming, p3 • Gallery dedicated to emerging artists, p12-13
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