As part of roadworks on Queenstown’s Gorge Rd, linked to the Melbourne St arterial project, the Alliance delivered shock news on Tuesday to two close-by neighbouring hostels, Alpine Lodge Backpackers and Aspen Lodge Backpackers.
They were planning to start night works from this Sunday, from 10pm till 6am, for an indefinite period, presumably to speed up the job.
Only problem being it’s between those hours you’d expect those hostels’ guests would be trying to get some kip.
Speaking on Tuesday, flabbergasted Alpine Lodge owner Paul ‘Taff’ Francis tells Mountain Scene "I totally understand there’s work needs to be done, I understand they must be a long way behind with it, but I don’t think they should have to try and make up for their obvious mistakes and incompetence by ruining my business".
"We’re trying to find out who’s basically approved this work through the night without consulting anybody on the street."
Late yesterday morning, Francis calls back to say the Alliance has backtracked and his guests can sleep at night.
An Alliance spokesperson confirms "the night works communicated to affected residents [on Tuesday] have been cancelled".
"Planning is under way to determine next steps, which will be communicated well in advance to affected residents/businesses."
Francis’ reaction?
"I’m absolutely over the moon."
