Media Releases

October 2004

29 October

Carolynne Stone Reappointed

Carolynne Stone has been reappointed Deputy Mayor of Waitakere City.

Ms Stone, who was also Deputy Mayor during the last term of Waitakere City Council, was unanimously endorsed at last night's inaugural meeting.

At last night's meeting- held at the new Trusts Stadium in Henderson - the City's other 13 Councillors and community board members were also officially "sworn-in".

From Oratia, Ms Stone represents the Waitakere Ward and was first elected in 1992.

Mayor Bob Harvey says the two have an excellent relationship and he is looking forward to another three years of working together. "Carolynne is highly regarded by her colleagues here in Waitakere and also commands huge respect around the region", he says.

"Regionally she is one of the key figures in pushing for improved passenger transport to solve Auckland's traffic problems and she will continue to lead that charge. Here in Waitakere, the Deputy Mayor is not so much a figurehead as elsewhere, because over the years Carolynne has really made it a working role."

Also at the meeting, Councillors were appointed to each of the City's Community Boards. Those appointments are :

Massey Community Board: Councillors Peter Chan, Warren Flaunty and Linda Cooper.
Henderson Community Board: Councillors Assid Corban and Ewen Gilmour.
Waitakere Community Board: Councillors Pat Booth, Penny Hulse and Carolynne Stone.
New Lynn Community Board: Councillors Janet Clews and Ross Clow.

Appointments to external bodies were confirmed as:

Aotea Centre Board of Management: Mayor Bob Harvey
Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group: Councillor Derek Battersby
Auckland War Memorial Museum and Museum of Transport and Technology (M.O.T.A.T): Councillors Vanessa Neeson and Pat Booth
Hauraki Gulf Forum: Councillor Peter Chan

Auckland Regional Council Passenger Transport Sub-committee: Councillor Carolynne Stone
Auckland Regional Council Land Transport Committee: Councillor Carolynne Stone
Auckland Regional Growth Forum: Councillor Carolynne Stone

The new Council also approved its committee structure for the next three years. In line with the last Council term, there will be three main committees, which all Councillors are members of. The main committees are City Development, Planning and Regulatory and Finance and Operational Performance.

A new sub-committee- the Arts and Events Special Committee- will monitor arts related activity and city-wide events. That will be chaired by Councillor Judy Lawley.

Councillor Derek Battersby was appointed as the Council's representative to the Local Government New Zealand Zone One meetings.

For photographs from last night's ceremony, contact Rachel Blundell (Waitakere City Council Public Affairs Officer-836 8000 extn 8461).

For more information on Election Results see Final Results 2004 Waitakere City Council & Waitakere Licensing Trust.

26 October

Commonwealth Champs in Waitakere

So far 14 countries have confirmed their attendance at the 2004 Commonwealth Judo Tournament (to be held on November 13 and 14).

The tournament will be the first major international event staged at the new Trusts Stadium in Henderson, Waitakere City. It is also the largest international judo competition seen in this country since the Commonwealth Games in 1990.

As well as New Zealand, countries confirmed so far are: Australia, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, India, Bangladesh, Zambia, Singapore, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Organisers hope that Scotland will also be a late inclusion.

New Zealand will have the largest team (with 36 players) because, as the host nation, they are able to enter two players in each weight category. The largest overseas contingent comes from India which has entered players in all 18 weight divisions.

New Zealand Judo Federation president Harry O'Rourke says that England is expected to field a particularly strong team, featuring players who were at the recent Olympic Games in Athens.

Mr O'Rourke says it is particularly pleasing that smaller countries have entered. "Places like Nigeria aren't exactly powerhouses of the sport. But the international exposure their players receive has seen them improve out of sight in recent years," he says.

The tournament is supported by Waitakere City Council which, along with the Judo Federation, led the bid to host the tournament.

22 October

Solid Support for Whenuapai

Two thirds of Aucklanders support the concept of a commercial airport at Whenuapai, and almost all of them want it as soon as possible, according to the latest professional public opinion survey in the region.

Market research firm TNS surveyed people across the Auckland region earlier this month, finding 65% who supported the commercial airport concept, 21% not in favour and 15% undecided. Fifty seven percent want a commercial airport built at Whenuapai as quickly as possible.

Bryan Mogridge, chairman of Waitakere City Council's Mayoral Task Force on Whenuapai, says four professional surveys over the past 12 months have shown rock solid support for the concept of a commercial airport, and the outcome of the latest survey should come as no surprise. The recent local body elections had also returned many candidates who supported a second airport for the region.

"The reasons for support are not hard to find," said Mr Mogridge. "Commuters realise that reducing traffic volumes to and from Mangere at rush hour must ease traffic congestion in the way that travel times reduce dramatically in the school holidays.

"Secondly they realise that a commercial airport at Whenuapai, together with associated development, would act as a growth engine for the north west, creating jobs and better connecting business and tourism.

"Thirdly, they appear to recognise the folly of destroying an existing airport, when growth predictions mean make it apparent that Auckland should be preserving infrastructure assets and using them to best advantage."

Mr Mogridge said the commercial airport concept had now been given extensive scrutiny, and enjoyed the support of most of the region's local bodies, business development units, Civil Defence, businesses and organisations in the north and west, various airlines and a majority of the public.

"It has become clear that the Government's choice is between a derelict airbase or a vibrant and popular commercial airport development contributing greatly to the development of the fast- growing Auckland region."

An appraisal by Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL) for Enterprise Waitakere, released last month, concluded that turning Whenuapai airbase into a commercial airport would bring an annual 120,000 people to New Zealand who would not otherwise visit, by 2009, and these tourists would spend about $250 million, resulting in a $172 million annual boost to GDP and 1,560 new jobs.

22 October

Two Third of Aucklanders Believe Whenuapai Should Take Off

The latest professional research carried out amongst Aucklanders shows two-thirds of those questioned think a commercial airport at Whenuapai is good news for Auckland.

And most of those in favour, 57% of the total sample, think development of the commercial airport should happen as soon as possible.

This latest market research, conducted by TNS, underlines the support for Whenuapai Airport that has been evident within the Auckland region since December 2003 when the first tranche of professional market research was undertaken.


Summary of professional research conducted regarding a commercial airport at Whenuapai.

The majority of Aucklanders clearly see benefits from developing a commercial airport at Whenuapai. Their view is shared by many businesses and organisations such as ANZ; Auckland Regional Council; Auckland City Council; Civil Defence; Harbour Force; Kaipara District Council; Massey University; North Harbour Club; North Harbour Rugby Union; North Harbour Stadium Trust; North Shore City Council; Rodney District Council; Smales Farm Technology Office Park; Takapuna Beach Business Association; Various airlines; Waitakere City Council and many businesses in the North and West of the region.

Note: Information on the project, including the summaries of the market research covering Waitakere, Rodney and North Shore is available on the web sites of Infratil www.infratil.com and Enterprise Waitakere www.enterprisewaitakere.co.nz.

22 October

Air New Zealand's Anti-Competitive Attitude Rubbished

In response to the statements made by Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Ralph Norris, in the New Zealand Herald today (Friday, 22 October 2004) Waitakere City's Chief Executive says this is just another example of Air New Zealand trying to reduce competition and prevent other airlines providing a cheaper and better service to the public.

Harry O'Rourke says that Waitakere City has provided a logical and absolutely convincing commercial argument for the retention of Whenuapai as Auckland's second airport and the only significant objection to the proposal was coming from vested interests such as Auckland International Airport and their buddies - Air New Zealand.

He says Air New Zealand is fresh from a failed effort to do a "sweetheart deal" with Qantas to reduce competition in the New Zealand market and increase the cost to New Zealanders of flying within this country, and overseas. "And now they are now desperately trying to do the same thing by trying to prevent Whenuapai operating. Haven't they listened to the very pointed comments made by the Commerce Commission?"

Mr O'Rourke says that Mr Norris's lack of knowledge of the proposal was amazing, considering that he was apparently making a significant commercial decision in not using Whenuapai. "Mr Norris claims that only aircrafts the size of Boeing 737s could use the Whenuapai runway. He clearly isn't aware of the fact that Whenuapai's main runway is roughly the same length as Wellington Airport, which has had regular 767 services."

"We have always said that Whenuapai is not suitable for long-haul international flights. It will operate domestic and trans-Tasman routes.

"It is equally amazing that the head of an airline owned by taxpayers will publicly announce that he will ignore a catchment of half a million people while overseas airlines, such as Pacific Blue, want to see Whenuapai up and running as soon as possible. It's unbelievable that Air New Zealand can't see the business benefits of a cheaper airport, which is also closer than Mangere for half of their customer base. Quite apart from all of that, our commercial analysis has never shown a need for Air New Zealand to be part of the operations at Whenuapai."

"Mind you, the fact that Air New Zealand has lost millions of dollars and is being propped up by a billion taxpayer dollars is probably indication enough of their commercial nous - or rather lack of it."

Mr O'Rourke, also commented that the Council has taken advice from competent airport operators who had experienced in competitive markets, who are convinced that Whenuapai is a commercially viable proposal. "The only reason for opposition from Air New Zealand and perhaps the soon to be foreign owned Auckland International Airport is to prevent competition so that they can continue to milk the public of Auckland to maximum effect."

Meanwhile, Mayor Bob Harvey says that Air New Zealand's board should take a close look at a chief executive who would make such "stupid" comments. He also called on the Commerce Commission to take a serious look at the relationship between Air New Zealand and Auckland International Airport and the amount of money that was being spent by AIAL in a desperate effort to maintain its monopoly in the Auckland market.

22 October

Commonwealth Judo at the Trusts' Stadium

Waitakere's world-class sports stadium will host its first international event this month - the 2004 Commonwealth Judo Championship Tournament.

The event on November 13 and 14 will launch the Trusts' Stadium globally, via television coverage.

Top international judo players will provide competition at a level rarely seen in New Zealand since the 1990 Commonwealth Games, raising awareness of the sport and providing an impetus for up and coming fighters.

President of the Judo New Zealand Federation and Chief Executive of Waitakere City Harry O'Rourke was instrumental in securing the tournament for Waitakere.

Mr O'Rourke, President of the Commonwealth Judo Association since the mid-1980s, says this is an excellent opportunity for the City's youth to see top fighters, an encouragement for them to take up judo as a recreation.

22 October

Understanding your property's rating valuation

The three yearly process of re-valuing all properties in Waitakere City has recently been completed and property owners and some occupiers of commercial and industrial premises, will have received updated valuations recently.

The impact valuations have on rates is decided by a complicated process that is not widely understood. However, it is common for people to believe that their rates will increase by the same amount as the valuation increase - and this is not so.

Rates are determined by the amount of money needed to run the city each year. Most - but not all of this money is raised by way of rates on the land value of all the city's properties.

The Rate requirement of the city is divided into the value of the city's properties, resulting in a rate of so many cents in the dollar. This rate is then multiplied by the land value of each individual property, to arrive at the rates for each property.

This is a simplified explanation and there are many other factors in the allocation of rates, but it is essentially correct and it shows how rates are determined by the costs of running the city, not by increases in property values. The costs of running the city each year are set by the Annual Plan process, which involves extensive public consultation.

Rates on land value are one of two kinds of rates. The other rates are flat fees (The Uniform Annual General Charge and the Harbour View Park rate, for example) levied on every property.

Residential valuations are based on market prices at the time of valuation (1 September 2004). Commercial valuations are based on market prices and rental evidence. Neither moves with market changes until the next re-valuation - they are a snapshot fixed in time - and therefore, are not necessarily an indicator of market value. Furthermore rates in Waitakere City are assessed on the land value only.

Values can be challenged if the property owner believes they are incorrect. They can also be amended if the use of the property has changed (for example, as a result of subdivision)

It is worth noting that the term Rating Valuation is now used in place of Government Valuation (GV).

Councils contract independent valuers to undertake the Rating Valuation valuations. Their work is audited by the Office of the Valuer General and if the auditors are satisfied an approved audit certificate is issued.

Your Rates Valuation

Capital Value:
The probable property price on the revaluation date (not including chattels, stock, crops, machinery or trees) It is deemed to include GST for Residential properties but not for other property types.

Land Value:
The probable price that would be paid for the bare land. This may include some landscape development work.

Value of improvements:
Value added to the land by any buildings or other physical improvements. For valuation purposes the land value is subtracted from the capital value to give the value of improvements. It is entirely possible that this will not add up to how much you have spent on the property.

For valuation enquiries, phone Quotable Value on 0800 787 284.
For rating enquiries contact us.

22 October

Local builders win Civic Contract

Waitakere builders Canam Construction have won the construction contract to build the Civic Centre in the heart of Henderson.

From left Canam General Manager Loukas Petrou, Project Architect James Mooney, Canam Director Nick Page and Architectus-Athfield Project Director Malcolm Bowes.

The local company will start preparing piling rigs from October 26, at the former Carter Holt Harvey tissue factory site in Henderson Valley Road.

Mayor Bob Harvey says he is delighted a local company has been awarded the contract to build the environmentally-leading edge design created by Architectus-Athfield.

"Canam is a logical choice for Waitakere Central. This company has a real stake in our city, and is part of the momentum developing in Waitakere. Hundreds of people will be employed during this, the first step in consolidating Waitakere City's strong city centre," he says.

The Civic Centre and its associated administration building are part of an overall project (linked by airbridge to the new transport hub) collectively known as Waitakere Central. This is part of a plan of action to deliver a strong local economy radiating from the CBD at Henderson, the geographic and historic heart of Waitakere.

The Trusts' Stadium at Central Park Drive was recently completed by Canam Construction. The company undertakes projects throughout New Zealand, including Auckland University Library, ANZ refurbishment and Philips' Aquatic Centre.

General Manager Loukas Petrou says his company has a proven track record of "competence in organising complex procedures." Director Nick Page affirms that the six-storey administration building and the three-storey Civic Centre will be finished by April 2006. "Right now, we are focusing on the management of the process, on team work and the rapport with the architects and our client, Waitakere City Council."

22 October

Integrated transport interchange due in 2006

Overbridge key component

Waitakere Central's new transport interchange is scheduled to open in May 2006.

The Council is taking the lead in the Waitakere Central Transport Interchange project, designed as a pivotal connection for buses, trains, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians. It is planned to include a drop-off area and park n ride facility.

Construction of the double tracking of the rail line from west of New Lynn to north of Henderson is planned from March to December 2005. It is intended that by mid 2006 Waitakere City will have improved rail services to Henderson with a functioning transport interchange and connected Civic Centre.

Railway platform facilities will adhere to a standard regional design. However, the concept design provides for additional canopy shelter, a covered overbridge and escalator access.

A key component of the improved transport link will be the overbridge spanning the railway line, joining the Civic Centre (on the Henderson Valley Rd side of the tracks) to the rail platform, bus terminal and the Henderson Town Centre (on the Railside Avenue side).

The concept plan provides for access to the overbridge by stairs, escalators and a lift.

Design work on the overbridge is being done by Architectus-Athfield which designed the Civic Centre. A developed design is expected by mid-November and a detailed design by April 2005.

"We see this as a safe, seamless interchange, which will work effectively on a 24 hour basis," says Councillor Carolynne Stone

"The overbridge opens up both sides of the railway line so that the rail line is no longer a barrier. This is a catalyst for investment on the "other side" of the tracks - property development, film studios and the new Civic Centre," says Cr Stone.

Coordination of temporary services

When construction starts on each part of the line, there will be times when the line is closed. The Auckland Regional Council will manage the process and is expected to provide connecting services for passengers.

Until the Civic Centre (and overbridge) is finished in May 2006, it is expected that some temporary pedestrian access to the rail platform will be required.

The rest of double tracking

Double-tracking between New Lynn and Avondale still has to be resolved at the planning level.

The big question: will be it underground or overground?

Not only do the engineering aspects need to be considered but also the wider effects on the New Lynn Town Centre.  New Zealand Rail Corp and the Council are investigating the impacts of the various options.

Planning for the other stage of double tracking from Henderson to Swanson is expected to begin in 2005.

11 October

New Lynn celebrates the moon

Participants of the second Waitakere Moon Festival were treated to the sights and sounds of Asia with activities spanning two days and more than 15 separate performances.

The festival, held again at the New Lynn Community Centre, attracted an estimated 6000 people on the opening night, Friday 24 September.

Leaders of the Asian community, elected members and the general public were host to a tai-chi sword demonstration and traditional Maori welcome, followed by Mayor Bob Harvey declaring the festival open and eye-dotting the Lion.

Lion dancing, Cantonese opera, and sword dancing all featured on the main stage, while ballroom dancing and mahjong in the recreational auditorium led to a variety of Asian and Western food out in the courtyard.

Waitakere Libraries had over 70 children in the New Lynn Library with free moon cakes, storytelling and face painting.

A new addition to the festival, Saturday's Asian Generation X and Enter the Dragon panels were well attended. Kenneth Leong and Hannah Tsu appeared on the Breakfast show on the morning of the festival (24 September) to discuss the issues covered in these workshops.

7 October

Slip causes delays on Scenic Drive

A slip on the Scenic Drive took Council workers several hours to clear in the early hours of this morning.

A section of the Scenic Drive, one kilometre south of the intersection of West Coast Rd and Scenic Drive, was completely blocked by soil and trees when the slip happened at around midnight last night.

One lane has been opened up for traffic, but there are likely to be delays all day as heavy machinery disperses the debris.

A geotechnical report will be prepared on the site.

6 October

Waitakere supports bill to control graffiti

Waitakere Council today endorsed Manukau City's promotion of a local bill to control graffiti.

Manukau's Control of Graffiti Bill 2004 proposes to minimise the graffiti problem at Manukau by penalising and deterring offenders and by providing the Council and Police with extra power to deal with graffiti and offenders.

The Bill seeks to regulate the sale and display of graffiti implements, for example spray paint, to juniors and to make graffiti an offence with associated penalties.

The Waitakere Council voted to support Manukau's Bill and also measures resulting in more effective control over graffiti at a local, regional or national level.

A Waitakere report concluded that a Bill is likely to be an effective graffiti-control measure, but to be effective across the region, it considers that the Bill's scope will need to be increased to apply to the Auckland Region.

Waitakere spends $500,000 a year on graffiti eradication and community education.

6 October

Commonsense approach to dogs and the community

New dog regulations are now in force.

Under revised Waitakere City Council dog policy, the new dog exercise bylaw ensures community safety while providing for the needs of dogs and their owners.

The bylaw balances submissions from dog owners who feel restricted in being able to fully exercise their dogs properly with those who have had bad experiences through dogs not being properly under control.

Under the new bylaw, dogs must be on a leash in all public places, including Waikumete cemetery and most beaches. They are prohibited from sportsfields, playgrounds, picnic areas, fitness apparatus, vulnerable wildlife areas and Piha South for the busy daylight savings period.  Off-leash areas are all reserves (except the coastal part of Harbourview), part of Bethells Te Henga (all year) and part of Piha North (all year).

The Council will be looking at identifying additional off leash beach areas where dogs can be fully exercised and able to swim. These areas will be subject to consultation to reach all round acceptable situations. Even in off-leash areas, dogs must be under control by their owners. This means owners must be able to call their dogs to heel when necessary.

"The Council is steering a course to accommodate needs of dogs, their owners and those who want assurance that children, their pets and they themselves will not have to bear the brunt of problems arising from irresponsible dog ownership," says Waitakere City Public Affairs Manager Dai Bindoff.

"The Council believes it has taken a common sense approach to the issue of dogs in public places. The key is to educate everyone on good practice around dogs, understanding dog behaviour as well as good training for dogs," he says.

5 October

Election results posted to Internet

Preliminary results will be posted on the Council's website as soon as possible and we expect the results to be available by 5 pm on Election Day Saturday 9 October.

The polls are due to close at noon on Saturday 9 October 2004.

A polling place for the issue of special voting papers and receive completed voting papers, will be open at the Council's Electoral Office at the Civic Centre, 6 Waipareira Avenue during normal working hours and from 8 am to noon on Election Day.

4 October

Extended library hours

Now there's no excuse for not getting your hands on the latest music and book releases with Waitakere Libraries extending their opening hours as of 1 October.

All eight branches will now open at 9am and the new Glen Eden Library on Glendale Road will be extending their Saturday hours 10am-4pm.

Sunday hours for Henderson, Massey and New Lynn libraries are now 10am-4pm.

Ranui library will also open on Mondays.

4 October

New hub for Glen Eden

After two years with a temporary facility, the Glen Eden community will have its new library opened this Tuesday 5 October.

The position and design of the building is designed to provide a hub for Glen Eden, along with the newly refurbished Playhouse Theatre and Glen Eden shopping centre.  Bike racks and disability parking mean the facility provides easy and convenient access for everyone. Local bus and train routes are all within walking distance, making a range of transport options available.

The new building will also incorporate the Glen Eden Citizen's Advice Bureau and has an interior space of 900m².

Other features include:

• A meeting room available for public use that can also be booked for after library hours use.
• A sound system with options of background music, personal music for adults and audio stories for children.
• Televisions in the children's and adult's area linked to SKY, broadcasting a range of educational and public television programmes.
• The first fully integrated learning centre in Waitakere. A suite of computers and other technologies accessible to the public and monitored by the learning co-ordinator. The centre will also provide self-paced learning and structured tuition for those wishing to learn new information searching skills. Casual use of the learning centre is also available.

Glen Eden is just the first of several new libraries planned for Waitakere City that are being designed as recreational destinations for families where they can relax in a warm, welcoming environment. Both learning and informational resources will expand over time, as will public access to a greater range of information technologies.

All Waitakere libraries' hours have also been extended. Glen Eden will open at 9 am instead of 10 am and Saturday hours will extend to 10 am to 4 pm.

A 6.30 am blessing will be followed by an official ceremony at 9 am with the library open to the public by 10 am.

Quick facts about Glen Eden Library:

• 52,000 items in the current collection (includes adult's and children's books, magazines, videos, DVDs, CDs)
• 100,000 visits per annum
• 11,000 registered borrowers (3,500 children & 7,500 adults)
• 350,000 issues per year

4 October

Solar speed signs milestone at Waitakere

Waitakere Primary School will be the first school in the country to use solar-powered 40km/h flashing signs, due to be installed next month.

Following new government legislation allowing councils to set speed limits, Waitakere City Council has set a school zone speed limit of 40km/h at Waitakere Primary on Bethells Road, before and after school, when the solar signs are activated.

At other times, the speed limit will return to 50km/h.

The variable 50 to 40 speed limit was trialled voluntarily with great success at Waitakere and Christchurch schools over the last three years.

Waitakere's Senior Road Safety Co-ordinator Kitch Cuthbert says the voluntary 40km/h around schools was well supported by police and community.

"Even without legislation, communities are able to safeguard their children around schools by opting to lower the standard 50 km/h speed limit to 40km/h.

"At Waitakere Primary, we have gone one further by legislating to vary the speed limit. There is international evidence that by creating dedicated speed zones around schools there is a direct impact on children's safety. In Canada, the limit around schools at all times is 30km/h and in Australia, the limit is 20km/h during drop off and pick up times," says Mrs Cuthbert.

In readiness for the 40km/h solar signs launch later this month, traffic calming measures around Waitakere Primary have involved both Waitakere City and Rodney District Councils - Waitakere Primary is on the Waitakere side of Bethells Rd, while the land on the other side is in Rodney.

The process of altering high speed environments around schools is only part of the package of solutions used by traffic engineers at Waitakere, in collaboration with the community. Another traffic calming measure that has been successful is working with clusters of schools to stagger start and finish times.

At Waitakere, three semi rural schools (Waitakere, Oratia and Henderson Valley primary schools) are most suitable for the solar powered flashing 40km/h signs because they are sited in areas where there is the potential for high speeds.

"The 40km/h legislation a huge step forward - particularly when you consider that Waitakere's Chief Executive Harry O'Rourke has taken a 40km/h remit for schools to the Local Government Conference two years running and it was thrown out - by rural communities," says Mrs Cuthbert.

1 October

Council will study pool fencing judgement to see how it affects prosecutions of pool owners

Waitakere City Council will soon begin reviewing its pool prosecutions cases in light of the judgment of Judge Randerson, released today.

The Council had asked the High Court for a declaratory judgement about the correct interpretation of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act, in order to give some certainty to pool owners and the Council that has to enforce the law.

This follows pool owners disputing the interpretation of aspects of the Act - especially the definition of immediate pool area.

"The judgment is limited, which we expected, but it does give some guidance on a number of points and that is welcome For example, the judge says gardens cannot be considered part of the pool area but various facilities such as barbecues can be, provided they are close to the pool," says Waitakere City Council's manager of legal services, Denis Sheard.

"The judge has gone to some lengths to emphasise the fact that the term "immediate pool area" means that the fence has to be in close proximity to the pool - and that is a similar view to the one the Council has always stated , but there may some issues of detail that may need to be reconsidered," he says.

Mr Sheard says the judgment also clearly rejects the pool owners' claims supporting a very liberal interpretation of the Act.

"The Judge's comments to the effect that there is a grey area in the law which makes it difficult for both pool owners and local authorities to understand and comply with their obligations, is helpful if it will spur some legislative action from Central Government," says Mr Sheard

"It will take some time to go through the judgment to understand it clearly and then to re-assess all pending cases in light of the judgment. It is too soon to decide how this will affect any of the cases," he says.