Apartment owner sees risk in relaxing cordon

9:45 am on 5 March 2011

The owner of an apartment inside the central Christchurch cordon is unhappy with plans to open up part of the area to the public.

Some residents and businesses will be able to secure their properties and retrieve items on Sunday morning, before public access is allowed in two sectors later in the day.

The man, who asked not to be named, says his apartment is wide open after search and rescue teams kicked in the doors, and the electronic security system does not work because the power is off.

He says reopening the area to the general public will leave his property at risk of vandalism and looting.

People eager to get to their businesses and homes inside the cordon are being advised they must have identification or proof of residence before they will be allowed through.