Controversial plans to sell-off and close a Ngatai Road walkway are being put on hold as Tauranga City Council offers angered residents a chance to have their say.

Last week council sent out letters to residents surrounding the informal Ngatai Road and Seaview Terrace Road walkway and beach access saying it is dangerous and requires ongoing maintenance costs.

Ngatai Road resident John Buck questions Tauranga City Councils decision to close the nearby walkway.

SunLive reported Ngatai Road residents John and Margaret Buck were horrified at council's actions and believe the walkway is an integral part of the community that must remain.

John believes a significant number of people use the walkway daily, including school children and people exercising and walking their dogs – but does admit it is informal and not advertised.

The issue was to be discussed at this week's policy committee meeting but strong community opposition means council will revisit the proposal and look at tabling other options. It is now on hold until feedback is collated following the September 16 cut-off date.

'It will be going to the committees when we are ready. We have put out some consultation to some people who are interested asking from feedback by September 16,” says council infrastructure services manager Ian Gooden.

'We won't be putting anything up till at least two weeks after that.”

He is also not ruling out further other options instead of closing the walkway altogether.

'Clearly on the face of it there are three options. One to do nothing and leave it as it is; one is to close it and sell it; and one it to upgrade it.

'It is unsafe and if we wanted to have it used on a regular basis if it is determined that there is enough use for it and desire to have it used then we will upgrade it but that will cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

Concerns surrounding the walkway include considerable erosion and drop offs along the track, as well as lack of fencing separating residents properties in some parts.

If council were to keep it open there would need to be a proper assessment determining the costs and standard needed to raise it to an acceptable level, says Ian.

Councillor Murray Guy, who met with John and Margaret along with other residents in the area, says after what he has seen and heard he agrees.

'It is in a state of disrepair. It does reflect an unacceptable level of maintenance no question, but those things can be easily remedied if you look at the alternatives,” says Murray.

'I don't think council recognises the value to residents down there not only for the pedestrian linkage but the profile the tsunami issues has created and have likewise created for people in these at risk coastal margins. And they clearly saw that as an extremely viable option for an escape route.”

Murray says the strong feedback from the community shows there are a wider spectrum of benefits to the walkway rather than its previous use of an access for power from Ngatai Rd and it will be a shame to see it closed.

'Ian said it will be coming before the policy committee meeting so the residents can be rest assured they won't wake up and find a barricade across it.”