Council investigates options for Berwick Lane closure

City of Sydney has enraged Darlinghurst residents by taking a step closer to closing Berwick lane.
Council unanimously voted to order an investigation into various methods of closure despite protests from several resident representatives at a committee meeting earlier this month.
The investigation is set to reveal the best of three options for the future of the lane, however residents near the lane have already criticised the proposal as all the options restrict the community from accessing the lane.
One option suggests closing the lane permanently while another suggests closing it during operating hours of proposed childcare care centre. All three options include having either a fence or gate installed at both ends.
The final options suggest creating a walkway parallel to the lane on the northern side of the current pre-school’s playground.
A Council spokesperson said: “The temporary closure of Berwick Lane to both cars and pedestriansis essential, for the safety of preschool children who will attend this childcare centre.”
But the spokesperson did not address safety concerns that were discussed by Council.
Councillor Di Tornai said the lane needed to be closed to prevent the children coming into contact with nearby street sex workers and drug addicts.
Residents and community groups had previously criticised the council for being hypocritical after they approved a street-sex worker support clinic nearby. Residents are also outraged Council is ignoring the heritage of the century-old lane.