ALDEN WILLIAMS/Stuff
The site at 136 Ilam Rd in Christchurch that had been the proposed spot for the new liquor store.
The owner of a proposed new liquor store near student accommodation in Christchurch has pulled the plug on his plan, but denies he was influenced by the community’s objections. Jugraj Singh applied for a liquor licence last year to open Ilam Wine Beer & Spirits at a corner shopping centre at 136 Ilam Rd. The site is within 1 kilometre of at least three types of student accommodation, and close to supermarkets and two other liquor outlets. Singh’s application was met by strong opposition from the community, who said setting up an off-licence within walking distance of University of Canterbury student accommodation was “irresponsible” and aimed to capitalise on the drinking habits of “vulnerable” students.
Blaring stereos and DIY construction during the Covid-19 lockdown meant the number of noise complaints laid in 2020 in Christchurch was the highest in 10 years.
The officers pursued the dogs on Christmas Day, but were unable to catch up and eventually lost sight of them, council head of regulatory compliance Tracey Weston said. She said Rutherford’s camera footage was insufficient to positively identify the offending dogs and without identification, the authority did not have the ability to pursue enforcement.
Supplied
Rutherford s black cat Slinky was killed by the two roaming dogs almost two months ago. The investigation was closed and would be re-opened if any new information came to light, Weston said. Rutherford said she was “shocked” at the decision, given the seriousness of the attacks and the risk the dogs still posed.
CHLOE RANFORD/LDR
Pool owner Bernie Rowe is part of a group looking to appeal the ministry’s decision to ban pool covers as safety barriers.
Fences might be expensive and ugly, but pool owners must make “sacrifices” to keep children safe, the Government says, banning covered pools without a fence for the second time. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is being dragged into court after ruling pool covers cannot replace pool fences, standing by a determination it made two years ago. Debate fired up after a word change in the Building Act from ‘fencing’ to ‘physical barriers’ allowed councils in New Zealand to issue waivers for pool owners with covers instead of fences.