ON Wednesday evening members of the public were able to witness an example of Council decision-making by Christchurch’s resources committee councillors, chairman and council leader.
To this observer it appeared a breathtaking demonstration of ignorance of and indifference to local opinion, to the outpouring of community feeling about Druitt Hall (evidenced in letters and petition) and to a host of closely-argued letter submissions taking up all aspects of the pro-demolition argument.
The officers’ report was summarised, with no reference to the many written challenges and corrections it has provoked.
The few cursory questions raised by members showed no knowledge of issues presented in public letters.
The council leader quickly moved to cut short the debate, and members voted unanimously to recommend axing the hall by the end of March 2013.
It stands in the way of the grand plan for the town centre and Druitt Gardens. The report’s costings have been challenged by Friends of Druitt Hall, arguing that inexpensive sustainable refurbishment and promotion by dedicated volunteers would compare favourably against the £20,000 plus cost of demolition.
Nevertheless the economic argument was presented as unanswerable. The full Council meeting will make the final decision on 21 February.
ELLIOTT MARX Auckland Road, Christchurch
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