Access to cordon area now closer, but registration required

The Canterbury Business Recovery Group (CBRG), a joint venture between the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (CECC) and Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC) has met Civil Defence to negotiate safe access into the cordon for affected businesses.

For safety reasons, access will be for a strictly limited period and will be closely controlled. It will allow business owners to retrieve records and portable equipment, and let residents collect personal items. Owners of vehicles within the cordon may also be able to retrieve them, depending on where they are and whether they are undamaged.

This work will be done in stages, starting with the least affected areas in the CBD. Access will not be granted to areas where the greatest risk remains from unstable buildings, or where rescue and recovery efforts are still underway.

Any access will be tightly controlled. Businesses need to contact 0800 50 50 96 or visit www.recovercanterbury.co.nz urgently to register for controlled access.

© New Zealand Law Society 2008