\u201cThe land was once a private golf course accessible to members and green-fee payers. It has never been a public amenity nor is there any entitlement for ongoing public access. The works being undertaken are intended to prevent the continued unauthorised use of Wolfbrook\u2019s land. <\/p>\n
\u201cWolfbrook as the landowner, pays all costs to maintain the land and the ponds that are within it. The golf course is closed; it is privately owned land and as such it is not appropriate for people to continue using it as though it is a public recreational facility,\u201d Randall said. <\/p>\n
Someone then dug out the concrete \u2013 much to Wolfbrook\u2019s disappointment. <\/p>\n
\u201cIndividuals have again entered Wolfbrook\u2019s private property without authorisation and removed the measures we have in place to stop unauthorised use of Wolfbrook\u2019s land as a golf course. This shows the level of entitlement of a small group of golfers and complete disregard of the rights of the owner (Wolfbrook) and its private property,\u201d Randall says.<\/p>\n
Residents had to stand outside at a crowded public meeting at Pegasus School. Photo \/ RNZ<\/p>\n
The Pegasus Residents\u2019 Group refutes the allegation that signs were vandalised. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe signage being referred to was installed and funded by members of the Pegasus Guardians, a volunteer community group which had been maintaining aspects of the golf course following its closure under arrangements with the liquidator. Those signs were removed by the group itself and were not vandalised. As a result, residents were surprised to see the removal characterised in that manner.\u201d <\/p>\n
The group also alleged that Wolfbrook had blocked access points and pathways to the former golf course through the installation of chains. <\/p>\n
\u201cResidents acknowledge that Wolfbrook is entitled to control access to its property. However, those pathways have formed part of the daily lives of Pegasus residents for many years and are regularly used by walkers, cyclists and families. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe issue is not the company\u2019s ownership rights, but the manner in which the changes were implemented,\u201d Matt James, the group spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
A chain blocking a pathway on the Pegasus Golf Course boundary. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
The group said says chains were put up without warning on tracks that residents have used for years, potentially endangeringchildren who cycle around the area. <\/p>\n
However, Wolfbrook denies it is responsible. <\/p>\n
\u201cReports that Wolfbrook had erected chains across its private property are completely fictitious.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cReports that Wolfbrook had installed chains across walkways are incorrect. This has been communicated to the Waimakiriri District Council and in a productive call to Matt James of the Pegasus Residents Group. We can all agree that the installation of the chains pose a potential safety risk and are not in the interests of the community,\u201d Randall said. <\/p>\n
The battle between the two groups will reach Parliament this month when a 16,000-signature petition will be handed over in protest of the proposal to have the land rezoned using fast-track legislation. <\/p>\n
\u201cMore than 16,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposal, reflecting the depth of feeling that exists not only within Pegasus but across the wider region.\u201d <\/p>\n
The petition will go to parliament on July 22and includes support from local MP Matt Doocey and Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon.<\/p>\n
Wolfbrook says it’s not responsible for chains that have been erected around Pegasus Golf Course, raising safety concerns for residents. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, the question facing Wolfbrook is not whether it has the legal right to take these actions. It is whether those actions reflect the spirit of the commitments it made when it first sought the trust of the Pegasus community. For many residents, the concern is that there is an increasing gap between what was promised and what is being delivered. As a result, Wolfbrook\u2019s actions are now speaking far louder than its promises.\u201d <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Waimakariri District Council is investigating a bid to buy the golf course from Wolfbrook \u2013 despite it not being for sale. A spokesperson for the council said they\u2019re in the process of forming a proposal. <\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil is in initial discussions with several parties who have expressed an interest in being part of a potential wider offer to Wolfbrook. Once we have a proposal to put forward, the next step will be to test this with Wolfbrook,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon. Photo \/ Dan Gordon<\/p>\n
Waimakariri residents have been surveyed recently on whether they would support the council using ratepayers\u2019 money to buy the land \u2013 and whether they believe the construction of 800 homes would have a positive or negative effect on the North Canterbury economy. The council said it had not commissioned the survey. <\/p>\n
\u201cEntering any initial discussions does not commit council to purchasing the land. If a sale is an option and discussions progress, council would undertake a full business case and engage with the community before making any decision,\u201d the spokesperson said. <\/p>\n