Melrose Place Walkway to remain open

The Melrose Place walkway is to remain open; following a recent Environment Court ruling, which has reversed Council's decision to close it.

The Environment Court held a hearing in Tokoroa on 19 December last year and the decision of the court was received by Council last week. Council's Legal Manager Richard Fisk and Group Manager Assets Roger Fisher appeared on Council's behalf; and accompanying Council in support of closing the walkway was Mr T Hart and Ms D Jones. Mr R Chapman appeared in opposition to the decision to close the walkway.

The court listened to all evidence, looked at the background and history of the walkway, examined our District Plan, studied the survey material and conducted their own assessment.

The Environment Court's key findings were:

• That the purpose of walkways in relation to community connectivity, good urban design and support for alternative modes of transportation is still important.
• There is good use of the walkway by residents.
• That concern about the safety of the location of the walkway exit and crossing Maraetai Road could be addressed in other manners.

"Council can revisit the Melrose Place walkway closure in two years, should the community wish us to do so," said Council's Legal Manager Richard Fisk.

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