The Clutha District Council revealed staff would investigate costs and feasibility of shifting two newly-installed cabins at Milton’s Taylor Park, during its service delivery committee meeting in Balclutha last week.
The cabins have proven controversial during recent weeks, after a groundswell of public opinion questioning the placement of what will be an eventual 10 cabins on about a-third of the park’s green space, adjoining the existing council campground.
Some had objected generally to the loss of open green space for recreational use; others, including Milton Volunteer Volunteer Fire Brigade, said the new cabins would interfere with competitive training activities.
Matters came to a head during a public meeting in Milton on September 28, during which heated views were exchanged between residents and council representatives.
However, in response to what Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said had been a "reasonable request" from the fire brigade to consider moving two of the cabins a short distance, council staff would now investigate that possibility.
"[Brigade members] have shown me the sightline of where they do their competitions, and quite clearly two of the cabins will be slightly in the way of runners.
"If we don’t move the cabins, Milton wouldn’t be able to host competitions any longer, with the next one coming up in December."
Although there was general support for the brigade’s request among councillors, many spoke of their disappointment at the reaction of other Milton residents.
Bruce ward Cr Dean McCrostie apologised to fellow councillors and staff.
"I’d like to apologise on behalf of the people of Milton for the manner in which our staff were treated.
"Sadly, the people who think a project’s great, are those who don’t turn up."
Balclutha ward Cr Alison Ludemann, visibly emotional, said she was fed-up with Milton residents’ criticism of council projects.
"I’m actually disappointed in Milton.
"We’ve done this in good faith for the town, and every time we do something there, we seem to be kicked back."
Milton Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Robbie Philip this week reacted positively to the news of a possible resolution.
"We’ve heard nothing further from the council ourselves, but we’d obviously be very pleased at any possibility of moving the huts in question."
