Further discussions on how to proceed to provide a new marina at Lyttelton will be held by the Christchurch City Council and the Banks Peninsula District Council.

A meeting today among the City Council, the District Council, the Lyttelton Port Company, Environment Canterbury, representatives of boat owners and the new marina owners was held for two hours.

It was called after the destruction of the Lyttelton marina at Magazine Bay in last Thursday's storm.

A fixed breakwater was confirmed as being the only acceptable solution to providing protection to the marina.

The meeting agreed that a lot more information was needed and time was needed to research matter.

Christchurch's Mayor Garry Moore said that full and frank discussions were held. Costs were not discussed at the meeting, he said. "It was heartening to hear that the new owners of the marina were keen to continue with the development," Mr Moore said.

"Council will want to consider the issues in a measured way. The representatives at the meeting will have to consult with their organisations before further decisions can be made and the City Council and District Council will meet further on the matter," he said.

It was agreed that Magazine Bay was suitable for a properly designed marina. Mayor of Banks Peninsula, Noeline Allan, said that it was important that the city and her council worked together.

Barry Dacombe, spokesperson for the marina berth holders, said he was pleased that the matter was being tackled at a regional level and encouraged that the meeting appeared to be moving towards an effective solution to the problem.

Further information: Bob Lineham: 313 2146 (AH) or 371 1411.

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