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Source: ONE News -
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People are out and about in some restaurants and bars in Christchurch this evening after the main cordons were lifted in the CBD earlier today.
Peter Townsend from the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce said he was happy with the decision to remove most of the cordon earlier today.
"This place is 85 to 90% up and running and we need people to understand that and support the Christchurch economy, not run away from it," Townsend said.
But locals out dining on Friday night said it's anything but a normal Friday, and some of their time was spent looking at what was left of their city.
"It's sort of freaky," one said. "Some things are gone and some things that you expected to have gone haven't. It's really quite random."
For many businesses, lifting the cordons is irrelevant. Their workplaces are either rubble, or have been condemned.
More than 200 are still unable to open, and sit inside the few streets that remain cordoned off.
Paul Londsdale of the Christchurch Central Business Association says that's a real concern.
"The new threat is they don't open at all, they just can't afford to open," he told ONE News.
With some bars in the central CBD open for the first night since the quake, Civil Defence controller Darryl Griffin is calling on the public to show constraint tonight and tomorrow night in the central city.
"I understand some people will want to have a few drinks this
weekend after the intense week we've all had, however it needs to
be constrained," Griffin said.
The Hospitality Association of New Zealand has been asked to
contact its Christchurch members to ensure they are fully aware of
the implications of opening during a State of Emergency.
Griffin says bar staff should know what to do during an aftershock and how to safely evacuate the premises.
He says those bars sited next to damaged buildings should give careful consideration to the damage that could be caused by music vibrations.
Extra police will be patrolling the central city over the weekend and have assured Civil Defence staff that drunkenness will not be tolerated either in the street or in the city's bars.
Several roads and intersections are still closed because of the risk of building collapse, and there is a 30kmh speed limit in force in the city.
But as the face of Canterbury changes by the day, with buildings being demolished, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the rebuilding of the central city could bring new opportunity.
"As part of the redevelopment we'll be focusing on urban residential [buildings] coming into the heart of Christchurch."
"If we do it in the right way we'll inject new life and new vibrancy into the city, right into the heart of our people," Parker said.
What do you think of the response by authorities to the earthquake? Share your views on our messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentmusopete said on 2010-09-10 @ 12:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
Go the Kiwi battler! Hold ya heads high.
Australianne said on 2010-09-10 @ 11:40 NZDT: Report abusive post
2nd that about the light font...it is difficult to read. Just wanted to say I'm so proud of NZers for the way in which they've pulled together in such a uniquely Kiwi way. No other country (even Australia) comes close to that! Well, maybe Australia comes close, but still, Kiwis lead the world in their kind-hearted attitude in the face of disaster.
H said on 2010-09-10 @ 10:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
Would love to comment but the comments are displayed on this website in such a tiny, light coloured font that they're virtually unreadable.
SSAMA said on 2010-09-10 @ 07:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
CD has done a great job in difficult circumstances - difficult to get up to date info to people without power. Website I have found most useful for info is the TVNZ live updates - great that it is updated regularly and the info is generally accurate. Well done TVNZ
Australianne said on 2010-09-09 @ 20:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
Given that TVNZ is probably a world leader in their ability to keep us all informed after the earthquake, CD has done an ok job. But note, that is 'ok', not 'wonderful'. CD should link up with TVNZ and learn how to get that info out in a timely manner! This is more a pat on the back to TVNZ than having a go at CD. I'm sure they have lots of other duties keeping them busy. Keep it up guys. Well done.