Some business owners to access Christchurch red zone

Part of Christchurch's red zone will be open to business owners today.

People who own businesses in New Regent Street will be able to access their green or yellow placarded buildings this morning.

Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale says this will be good news to a lot of frustrated business owners.

"I think even Civil Defence has admitted that perhaps they';ve been in disaster management a little bit too long and that has lead to a wee bit of frustration. Perhaps their communication people could have been slightly better but no-one really rehearses these things to this extent," he says.

New Regent Street business owners should assemble at the CPIT carpark off Barbadoes Street and Moorhouse Avenue from 8.15am.

These people will be taken in by mini buses and they will have half a day to get their possessions out.

Trucks will be provided to assist with the removal of items.

- Newstalk ZB