Awning stand off leaves businesses frustrated

310714bf3 New retractable awnings at Eat Streat 31 July 2014 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser RGP 29Sep14 - RGP 29Sep14 - INTRACTABLE: Eat Streat patrons will have to do without sh

Eat Streat businesses are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of action in a contractual dispute that has left their new retractable awnings unusable for a week.

Last Wednesday all but one remote controller used to operate the 12 retractable awnings on Eat Streat were confiscated by Sydney-based company GS World who said they would give them back when they were paid for their work.

GS World were employed by Eat Streat contractor Watts & Hughes Construction to install the awnings.

But, it seems the stalemate between the companies has not lifted.

Brew Craft Beer Pub manager Mel Rolfe said they had been told they were going to get replacement controllers by the end of the week.

"I'm going to be optimistic about it so I hope it comes through.

"So far it hasn't affected us too much, but we had a band on Sunday night and it poured down when they arrived.

"We will have to take the risk," she said.

Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar owner Kris Beehre said the standoff was childish and frustrating.

"But I guess it's no different to last year when we didn't have them.

"There's not much we can do, but it has to be sorted out, it is a hassle and the public are asking questions," he said.

Rotorua District Council chief executive office manager Craig Tiriana said the council was disappointed a contractual dispute between the main contractor and sub-contractor had occurred.

"The manner in which sub-contractor, GS World, vacated the site and left the country has caused much disruption to third parties such as business owners, the general public and visitors to Rotorua.

"Council remains engaged with the main contractor and are reassured that their dealings over this matter have been in accordance with their contractual requirements," Mr Tiriana said.

Representatives from Watts & Hughes and GS World did not respond to questions from the Rotorua Daily Post yesterday.