Petition to stop court move

An online petition to stop Masterton District Court being moved into a former school is attracting signatures from around the world.

The petition, on www.petitionsite.com, had 114 signatures late yesterday.

It asked why consideration was given to putting the courthouse in the site of the former Totara Drive School, in a residential area in Lansdowne, Masterton.

"Many people in this area and beyond are not happy about this," the petition said. "We want our children to be able to play safely in our yards and to feel safe in our homes.

"A courthouse should be located in a commercial area, not in our backyards!"

Most signatures are from New Zealand, but others are from Australia, Britain, Ireland, the United States and Iraq.

Wendy Belworthy, of New Zealand, said in a comment that a courthouse should not be put in an old school. "The facility would be much more productive used as an alternative education facility to reduce the need for courthouses in the first place."

Nadia Olliver, who grew up in a house that backed on to the former school but now lives Australia, said the plan was a disgrace. "The area is quiet, safe and a great place to grow up," she said.

The petition's goal is 1000 signatures and is targeted at Masterton District Council and Mayor Garry Daniell.

An independent planning commissioner will make a decision based on the application for resource consent and submissions received.