By Jessica Rowe
Residents of a Christchurch suburb say they have had enough of the prostitutes who have taken to plying their trade in their suburb since the February earthquake.
The prostitutes' usual haunt is inside the cordoned off CBD so they have moved to residential Saint Albans, much to the annoyance of the residents.
It used to be a quiet family neighbourhood, but for the last nine months it has become the red light district. Residents are reluctant to be identified for fear of retribution by the prostitutes' minders.
“We’ve got dangerous rubbish on our street, particularly syringes, used condoms,” says one resident. “The noise is a real issue and offensive language which comes from both the punters and the street workers.”
After the February earthquake, Christchurch’s traditional red light district on Manchester Street was cordoned off inside the city red zone.
“We now have pimps hanging around family homes, this is a community and people are concerned.”
Every morning residents are faced with picking up used condoms, syringes, and even tampons.
One home was abandoned after the earthquake, but as one can see from the used condoms scattered on the floor, prostitutes have been using the lounge to service their clients.
The community is desperate for the council to manage the problem.
“The council have turned a blind eye, yet the bylaws are quite specific. If I had a business on the street, I need a license, but these people can act with impunity.
“These people operating 24/7 without absolutely no restraints what so ever.”
Ngaire Button of the Christchurch City Council says they are investigating and asking questions around what can be done.
“The Prostitution Reform Act actually doesn't give us many tools as a council. It is very difficult to regulate the industry.”
And while the council looks to find a solution, the community continues to put up with the sex industry in their front yard.
3 News