Residents in Alexandra’s The Pines subdivision have raised concerns about increased dust and dirt following the clearing and levelling of an accessway at the rear of their houses.

The Central App was contacted by concerned residents living next to this area, which runs underneath the power pylons at the back of Larch Crescent, Brooke Place, Sequoia Close and at the end of Pines Road.

In a social media group residents described the dust and dirt as “awful”, “really bad”, it “looked better before.”

Krichelle Cunliffe said it seemed like a waste of time levelling it out to achieve the same weedy look. 

“Why would they do it at this time of the year when it’s so windy. We can’t leave windows open because the dust coats everything.”

The Central App asked the Central Otago District Council to clarify what the plans for the accessway were. 

A council parks and recreation team spokesperson said this part of the Pines recreation reserve in the accessway under the pylons was cleared late spring, following a request from an adjacent resident.

“The area had been neglected for a number of years with unauthorised dumping, broom etc.

“There is no reticulated water in this area but the Council plans to sow in the autumn when the grass strike will be more guaranteed and will be looking after the area from now on,’’ they said.

“Bearing in mind it has been a windy spring and start to the summer, the Council acknowledges there is a dust issue at present and is exploring mitigation options.”

Residents said with no water being available, it would not make sense to put grass in.

The area is dry and sandy now the land is bare. PHOTO: The Central App

CODC explained “looking after the area from now on” meant noxious weeds and long grass would be controlled where previously it was an unmaintained area.

There was no further information given to The Central App’s request to explain what “exploring mitigation options” meant.

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