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696 days ago

Fire causes 'extensive damage' to popular Westport restaurant

The Team Reporter from The Press

A popular restaurant in the West Coast town of Westport, Johnny’s, has suffered “extensive damage” after a fire ripped through the building on Wednesday.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the two-storey building on Palmerston St as five fire crews fought to bring the blaze under control.

Johnny’s owner John Lennon said he was relieved no-one was hurt.

“[We’re] still waiting for the fire to be [brought] under control, and then we can get an idea of what happened.”


Lennon and his wife, Janis, lease the downstairs part of the building where they set up Johnny’s about five-and-a-half years ago.

“Our kitchen is completely water and smoke damaged and the upstairs looks to be extensively damaged,” Lennon said.

Emergency services were called to the fire about 10.10am on Wednesday.

Palmerston St BP owner Raymond Gibson said he could see smoke coming from the building.

“I really feel for [the owners], they work really hard seven days a week,” he said.

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Why are ghosts such bad liars?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

...You can see right through them.

No, we haven't lost the plot! July 1st is International Joke Day and because laughter is good for your body, we want to get involved.

So, go on, jokers! Share your best joke below...

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3 days ago

Do you have a quick question for a lawyer?

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

On Thursday each week we hold free lawyer clinics.

These clinics allow you to see a lawyer at no cost for 10 mins. So, if you need help understanding a legal document or deciding whether to pursue a legal case, then this is a great starting point.

- 1pm - 133 Brighton Mall (entrance on Union Street, SBA office) – 03 366 6490
- 6.15pm - 8 Goulding Ave (Hornby community centre) – 03 349 5236

You will be given a number when you arrive, so everyone is seen in order and usually the lawyer can see 5-7 clients.

If you need a specialist lawyer or advisor for immigration, employment or ACC then email christchurchclinics@outlook.com to make an appointment with the separate clinics.

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1 day ago

A message from Christchurch Police

The Team from Canterbury Police

Christchurch Police are urging the community to ensure children are properly restrained following a concerning vehicle stop in Harewood. About 11:30am yesterday, Thursday 4 July, Police stopped a vehicle travelling almost 20kmh above the speed limit on Harewood Road.

When Police came to the window, four children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years were seen in the back and front passenger seats with their car seats incorrectly fitted.
The driver was issued a formal warning and an infringement notice. Police are working with the driver around the correct way to secure seats, secure the children, and making sure they have the right seat for their size.

Inspector Ash Tabb says, ensuring car seats are properly attached and kids are properly restrained is essential in reducing the risk of serious injuries or worse if a crash occurs.
“I am glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences; not only were the kids not properly restrained, but the vehicle was also travelling almost 20 kmh above the speed limit, two of four known crash and serious crash contributors, labelled RIDS (Restraints, Impairment, Distraction, and Speed).

"We understand parents, and caregivers may not know what the right seat is, or how to attach it correctly for your child. There are several services available to assist people with this, including child restraint technicians who can provide advice on what restraint may be needed. They can also help you fit them to your vehicle,” Inspector Tabb says.

Check out Whānau Āwhina Plunket website here.
Or the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website here.

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