Travis swamp

Press, 16 August 1989, Page 20

Travis swamp

Sir,—Dr Norton is a botanist, and his interest is in the botanical values of the swamp. Ours is concerned with those and also the wildlife and people’s longterm asset. The botanical values can be protected in a comparatively small area; the birds cannot be so protected. The proximity of houses, with their complex ment of domestic animals, would militate against their safety. In spite of Dr Norton’s view, the values of the swamp as a signifi-

cant wildlife habitat have not been disproved; far from it. Even more stress should be placed on people’s interests. The swamp is classified as an area unsuitable for residential use; the soils are unstable, as evidenced by recent events. Moreover, according to the latest Government figures Christchurch is losing, not gaining, population. The last thing we need to do is develop questionable areas compounding errors of the past. — Yours, etc., ANNE FLANAGAN, North New Brighton Community Council. August 12, 1989.