Emergency Operations Centre closes down as Napier siege ends

With the Chaucer Road siege now over and under Police control, Napier Civil Defence is closing down its Emergency Operations Centre, which is based at the Napier City Council.

However, the welfare centre set up at Napier Intermediate School, in Jull Street will continue to operate until 12-noon tomorrow, Sunday 10 May, 2009 unless circumstances change.

Evacuees will be provided ongoing accommodation for up to five days or until the cordoned areas are released.

Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott thanked everyone inconvenienced by the siege for their patience and willingness to help.

“You have assisted the Police greatly by your cooperation and understanding,” Mayor Barbara says. “Clearly a minority of residents will not be able to return to their homes and those that need accommodation will be assisted.”

For further queries, please phone Napier Police on 831 0700.

NOTE FOR MEDIA: Napier Civil Defence would like to thank you for your support during the Napier Hill “Lockdown”. Your efficient and regular broadcasts/reports have been extremely helpful in the operation of our emergency centre as well as the welfare of all those affected. It is comforting to know that we have your backing in such an incident.