Bridge objectors' numbers swell

Reinforcements are expected on Cable Bay beach in the Far North today to boost the numbers of objectors opposed to the construction of a footbridge linking a $50 million condominium development site with the beach below.

As a beach sit-in by local community and hapu members continues into a sixth day, a spokeswoman for the objectors said more people were expected on the beach this morning amid concerns that contractors may make another attempt to start work on the bridge this week.

A community-based group of between 20 and 40 people managed to stall work on the steel footbridge for three days last week by threatening to stand in the way of a 25-tonne digger poised to move on to the beach.

They have also built a stoutly constructed wooden and tin shelter on the foreshore on the spot where a 12m-high bridge pile is to be sunk.

Objectors are angry that the Far North District Council gave consent for the footbridge without public notification and without public or iwi consultation more than two years ago.

They say it will have an adverse visual impact on the picturesque beach, and have started gathering material to support a judicial review of council processes involved in the bridge's non-notified consent after gathering an anti-bridge petition with 1100 signatures.

A contractors' spokesman said yesterday they believed they were doing everything right in terms of their contract with the developer "but we still can't get on to the beach".

He was unsure when another move would be made to try to get the piling subcontractor's digger and equipment on site to start work.

Police have been watching developments but have not become involved while lawyers consider legal issues relating to beach access.

The contractors have until November 25 to complete their work under a Northland Regional Council temporary coastal work permit.

The bridge

* To be built over State Highway 10 at Cable Bay, 35km northeast of Kaitaia.

* Proposed by developers Crystal Waters.

* Purpose: to allow condominium investors and the public direct access to the beach below the condominium development.