Canterbury Mornings

Owners of derelict properties in Christchurch could soon be paying a leasing fee if they're blocking roads or footpaths.Many of the properties have fencing, scaffolding or shipping containers that encroach onto roads and footpaths.A report to be presented to the council's infrastructure transport and environment committee meeting on Wednesday recommends a fee of 15 dollars a month for every square metres of blocked paving or road.Mayor Lianne Dalziel told Chris Lynch that may not be enough. "The idea is to see if we can work collaboratively with building owners, but if we can't, at the end day, then we're going to have to take some, sort of action." The ultimate aim is to get the sites tidied up or redeveloped.