Private deck encroaching on public land to be removed

Hamilton City Council contractors are to remove a private deck encroaching on publicland at 1156 Victoria St, Hamilton.

The property owners have been advised of the removal, which will take place the weekbeginning 21 September.

Parks and Gardens Manager Bill Featherstone said the deck was built on public reservewithout Council’s approval.

“There hasn’t been the opportunity to put it through the normal resource consentprocess, or to ensure it has been appropriately engineered.

”The encroachment is on public land on the banks of the Waikato River.

“The land is a public reserve for the community to use. The community has expressedits wish for the land to be planted with native trees and shrubs to enhance theenvironmental values of the river corridor within the city.

“Council has no statutory power to allow for private use.”