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Christchurch City Council is closely monitoring the protest action in Cranmer Square but it is limited in what it can do to move the protestors on.
“Camping in Cranmer Square is not permitted under our Parks and Reserves Bylaw but that bylaw was not designed for protests of this nature,’’ says Council Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory Service General Manager Jane Davis.
“We have been speaking with the police regularly about the activities occurring in Cranmer Square and we have an open line of communication with the protestors.
“We understand residents living around Cranmer Square are frustrated by the continued protest activity in their neighhourhood. The protest action has so far been peaceful and those taking part have given us assurances they will be respectful of neighbouring residents,’’ Ms Davis says.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel says we live in a democratic society and we respect people’s right to protest and to express their views.
“It is when protest action has a significant impact on other people’s rights that further action may be required. This is why we are working so closely with police,” the Mayor says.