Councillor Criticizes Christchurch for Excluding Halswell Footpaths

A local councillor has expressed frustration over the exclusion of Halswell from a significant footpath initiative in Christchurch. The Christchurch City Council is developing a $20 million plan aimed at enhancing footpath connectivity across the city over the next decade. However, the growing southwestern suburb of Halswell has been omitted from the proposed priority areas, raising safety concerns among residents.

Halswell has seen a surge in new subdivisions, yet many areas within the suburb lack essential footpath links. As a result, community members face increased risks when navigating busy streets, with local councillor Andrei Moore stating that the absence of footpaths contradicts the council’s commitment to promoting active travel and reducing reliance on vehicles. “Having to get in your car with your kids to go to your local park or reserve a few hundred metres down the road because there’s no safe way to get there is just nuts,” he remarked.

The council was set to discuss the footpath programme on March 6, 2024, but the agenda item was withdrawn the previous day. Moore criticized the city’s infrastructure, arguing that it has not kept pace with Halswell’s rapid growth. Specific intersections, such as Cashmere and Sutherlands Roads, have been identified as particularly hazardous. “A child on a bike has been hit on Sutherlands Road. The longer we wait, the more likely there’ll be accidents,” Moore warned, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

The lack of footpaths has also become evident in other areas. On March 5, 2024, roadworks on Cashmere Road restricted pedestrian access, leaving individuals travelling between the popular Halswell Quarry Park and Sutherlands Road vulnerable. Pedestrians were legally required to wear high-visibility clothing due to the unsafe conditions. A local resident expressed concern, stating, “Eventually a cyclist is going to get injured if not killed. Eventually someone walking along the grass verge is going to get hurt if not killed.”

Despite developers being obliged to contribute to local infrastructure, Moore and fellow councillor Gerats argue that Halswell has not seen the necessary improvements. Moore noted that while developers should assist in funding infrastructure, the current system does not adequately address the needs of the growing community. “Even if I think it, it should be the developer’s responsibility to build footpaths miles away from their development, it doesn’t really matter what I think,” he explained.

With the footpath programme discussion now postponed, a decision on the future of footpath development in Christchurch is expected next week. The councillors remain hopeful that the council will reconsider its priorities to enhance safety and accessibility for Halswell residents.