Public showers close down

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Public showers close down
CHARLIE GATES Last updated 05:00 02/04/2012

Public showers set up in Christchurch's eastern suburbs for earthquake victims are closing down because they are now mainly used by people "that may be homeless".

The showers at Cowles Stadium in Aranui were set up soon after the February 22, 2011, quake for people without water or sewerage systems.

The showers will close on Wednesday as they were no longer needed, Christchurch City Council recreation and sports unit manager John Filsell said.

"The showers were set up shortly after the February quakes, primarily because there were large parts of the eastern suburbs that had no water, never mind hot water, and no sewerage or drains," he said.

"There are a very small number of households using the showers on a regular basis, and most of the regulars have been given time to find alternatives."

Filsell said about 20 people were still using the showers regularly.

He said "vulnerable people" using the showers were being referred to welfare agencies like the Salvation Army and the Christchurch City Mission.

The showers were planned as a "temporary service".

"This was a short-term fix when there was a high need," Filsell said.

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