The Main Rd to Sumner in Christchurch has been closed after a reported rockfall from the Clifton hillside. Video / Lesley Murdoch
Firefighters responding to reports of falling rocks on a Christchurch hillside say they were subjected to abuse from motorists after closing the main road into the beachside suburb of Sumner as a safety precaution.
Main Rd to Sumner was closed this morning after a reported rockfall from the Clifton hillside.
The Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade said rocks and water were falling from the cliff beside the road, and a section of protective wire netting, described as the first line of defence for road users, had been dislodged.
“A decision was quickly made to close both the road and footpath to protect the public, pending assessment by specialist geotechnical consultants on the stability of the hillside,” the brigade said in a social media post.
“Given recent events in the Tauranga region, we had hoped for a degree of understanding and patience from the wider public. Unfortunately, this was not always the case.”
“When a road is closed, it is done so for the safety of all road users, pedestrians, and emergency service personnel.”
While thanking those who were co-operative and understanding, the brigade had a simple message for those who were not:
“Please do better next time.”
Fire and Emergency shift manager Alex Norris said crews from Sumner were working with Christchurch City Council staff to assess rocks that had fallen from the Port Hills near Clifton.
He said crews were called about 9.30am and the road was closed as a precaution.
Sumner rockfall. Photo / Lesley Murdoch
Council head of transport Stephen Wright said it was working closely with contractors and Fire and Emergency.
Police said they had been notified to assist with traffic management around Main Rd, Clifton.
