Evacuations at Lyttelton following slip

Wednesday, 5 March 2014 - 4:51pm

Canterbury

Police have evacuated 19 households from three streets in Lyttelton after a land slip above a fuel storage area at the port.

Homes in parts of Cressy Terrace, Park Terrace and Brittan Terrace were evacuated this afternoon and cordons have been put in place in the affected area.

Police say the evacuations are precautionary, and are in response to the possibility of further slips in the area.

The slip occurred earlier today below Brittan Terrace, with a cliff face collapsing into a bulk storage tank.

The Fire Service, port authorities and fuel companies are managing the containment of fuel from the damaged tank.

Emergency services are confident there is no danger to residents in the area. Fumes may linger for some time but winds will assist in dispersing these.

An evacuation centre has been established at the Council service centre in London Street.

It is unlikely evacuated residents will be able to return to their homes tonight. Cordons are expected to remain in place overnight while agencies continue to monitor the hillsides and fuel storage facilities.

Police are advising non-essential visitors to avoid the area.

ENDS

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