The recent trial closure of the lakefront has divided locals into those who love it and those who hate it, almost in equal measure if debate around town is anything to go by. There were heated exchanges online where critics and supporters battled it out; mostly over traffic and parking with a number of voices in support for local retailers who have reported material suffering through the experiment.
Businesses on lower Helwick Street reported they were down 12-41 percent over the same time period as last year. On Ardmore Street, Snack Shack Kebabs reported it was down 50 percent over the trial period. Businesses affected by the pedestrianisation are calling for council to assess the trial's impact on all stakeholders.
Many online comments involved vehement criticism of QLDC for implementing something that no one wanted, without realising that the trial was a response to the overwhelming feedback to last year's consultations where locals requested a pedestrianised lakefront with no cars.
Dorothy Dempster who is a long-time local, loves the idea.
Ian and Fiona Aitken say they are concerned about traffic being pushed from Lakeside Drive to Brownston Street, so that people divert through Upton, Tenby and Warren streets.