"Whatever the cost is, if it helps prevent any trouble, it
will be well worth it." - Inspector Dave Campbell, on
providing free buses to the central city for Gardens Tavern
patrons
Dunedin police are paying for buses to try to stop
partying Gardens Tavern patrons disturbing other residents in
the North Dunedin student area this weekend.
The free buses - two tomorrow night and two on Saturday night
- will transport patrons from North Dunedin into the central
city area from 9pm.
The initiative was "sold" to police by Otago University
Students Association (OUSA) president Harriet Geoghegan.
"We want to manage this so students can celebrate the closing
of a well-loved Dunedin pub and those still studying can do
so with no fear of riot police on the street," Ms Geoghegan
said.
As many as 1500 students and others are expected to descend
on the Castle St pub, affectionately known as the Gardies, to
mark its closure.
It has been bought by the University of Otago and its final
day of business is Saturday.
The All Blacks v Wales rugby test match being held in Dunedin
on Saturday evening is also likely to draw a big crowd into
the area.
Inspector Dave Campbell, of Dunedin, said yesterday he could
not remember police ever hiring buses for public use.
He did not know the cost of the bus hire.
"Whatever the cost is, if it helps prevent any trouble, it
will be well worth it."
The North Dunedin student area has been the scene of unruly
behaviour in the past.
The most recent incident was last year's Undie 500 weekend
when police in riot gear faced verbal abuse and missiles from
a crowd of more than 1000 in Castle St.
The fire brigade was also called on to put out illegal fires.
Fearing disorder, possibly rivalling the Undie 500, police
earlier persuaded the Dunedin City Council to impose a
temporary liquor ban in North Dunedin this weekend.
The Gardens Tavern has said it would not admit patrons after
7.30pm on Saturday and has hired additional security staff.
Castle St residents have also been briefed as part of Ms
Geoghegan's initiative.
Members of OUSA executive, Campus Watch, campus policeman Max
Holt and Fire Service officers spent most of yesterday
visiting students living in Castle St.
They distributed leaflets advising them what events were
being held at the weekend, what to do if unwanted party-goers
"invade their front yard" and for what behaviour students
could potentially get into trouble with police and the
university.
Students had also been advised not to leave rubbish in their
front yards which could be used to fuel fires, and to remove
furniture from their porches.
The Dunedin City Council had agreed to carry out an extra
rubbish collection in the student area tomorrow, she said.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.