Close Menu
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • Local History
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Read Our Newspapers Online
    • Read the Latest Western Port News
    • Read the Latest Mornington News
    • Read the Latest Southern Peninsula News
    • Read the Latest Frankston Times
    • Read the Latest Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
  • Competition
  • Home New
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Wednesday, July 2
Breaking News
  • E-bike rider charged following fatal collision in Hastings
Facebook X (Twitter)
MPNEWSMPNEWS
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • Local History
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Home New
Breaking News
MPNEWSMPNEWS
Home»News»Shire to destroy wall of ire
News

Shire to destroy wall of ire

By Stephen TaylorJuly 13, 2015Updated:July 16, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
Clear way: John and Carol Van Der Helm and grandchildren Jayden and Imogen and the wall they say should go. Picture: Yanni
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

LIFE should return to normal in Mt Martha after the shire confirmed in writing that it would remove a wall blocking access to a road reserve by today (Tuesday).

The 1.7 metre structure blocks pedestrian access between Potts Lane and Grandview Terrace. It was erected in December by an adjoining property owner without council permission and has caused angst between neighbours.

John and Carole Van Der Helm, of Potts Lane, organised a petition opposing the wall with 50 signatures and presented it to the shire earlier this month. They were frustrated with the length of time the shire was taking to remove the steel and timber barrier, even though they were being told that it would soon be taken down.

This followed their letter to the shire in March, which said: “After consultation with residents and advice from legal services we feel that council are not responding to the needs of the wider community and, therefore, request a written response as to the reasons why our road is not open. Consider the prime issue:  On 13 December 2014 a resident, apparently acting with council approval, constructs a wall across a council road reserve to the benefit of that resident and the detriment of the wider community. We can no longer use the road reserve as it now terminates and begins inside private property.

“We request your response before the end of March 2015 as it is then our intention to move forward so as to seek a resolve [sic] via the Victorian Ombudsmen.”

Earlier this month, Ms Van Der Helm again wrote to the shire: “We were told the wall would be taken down two weeks ago. Yet nothing has been done. We feel that we are not getting anywhere. No one [from the council] is speaking with us.”

That changed after their plight became public (“Call for wall to come down”, The News 7/7/15). The couple received a letter from the shire’s contract superintendent Mark Newnham last week, confirming that the barrier issue had been referred to the shire’s environment protection and community safety unit. “The wall is scheduled for removal on or prior to 14 July. No further negotiations have been entered into with the relevant property owner,” Mr Newman said.

Ms Van Der Helm told The News: “This is the first time we have received an actual date on the barrier’s removal. We’re glad we have it in writing so we know what’s going on – even though it has taken seven months.”

Shire spokesperson Todd Trimble confirmed the decision. “I have been advised that it is the shire’s intention to have the wall removed as soon as possible.”

First published in the Mornington News – 14 July 2015

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Related Posts

Railway station scam

July 1, 2025

Flinders result unaffected by poll blunder – AEC

July 1, 2025

Grand Hotel’s tower revamp signals new chapter for icon

June 26, 2025

McCrae telco tower refused over visual impact

June 26, 2025
Add A Comment

Comments are closed.

Peninsula Essence Magazine – Click to Read
Peninsula Kids Magazine – Click to Read
Letters to the Editor
Property of the Week

14 Bass Street, McCrae

June 3, 2025
Council Watch

Shire secures $3.9m to tackle road safety

June 16, 2025

Kinder flyer flag snub prompts councillors to take over

June 10, 2025
100 Years Ago This Week

Baxter – On The ‘Wallaby’ with a walking group

July 1, 2025
Interview

Firefighter shows skills from sea to snow

February 5, 2024
Menu
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • Local History
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Home New
About

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

MPNG also publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

Facebook X (Twitter)
© 2025 Mornington Peninsula News Group.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.