Vandalism causes public safety concerns

The removal of road cones from a worksite in Wentworth Street, Gore, has raised significant concerns for public safety.

Contractors yesterday started installing a stormwater connection at the intersection of Wentworth and Lawrence streets for the Matai Ridge residential subdivision.

Senior Roading Operations Officer Murray Hasler said the site was coned off in preparation for digging out the road today. There was an excavator on the road, which was gated off.

Overnight someone has removed the road cones and stacked them in a resident’s driveway.

“We start digging up the road today and will cone off the excavated area overnight. It’s a concern the cones may be moved again, exposing the worksite.

“It might seem just a prank to some, but there are potentially serious consequences for the public and our staff.”

Last night’s vandalism was reported to Police. Residents who see anyone interfering with the traffic safety cones should call *555 or 111.