Notable news around Marlborough

Alcohol control areas expanded
Blenheim and Picton’s alcohol control areas have been expanded, while a new zone has been introduced in Renwick. The changes, approved by the council’s Environment Committee following public consultation, come after Blenheim Police raised concerns about increasing disorderly behaviour.
The Blenheim area now extends further along the Taylor River, while Picton’s covers the entire town centre and library car parks. Renwick’s new area runs from Alma Street to Inkerman Street, including part of High Street. Chief Licensing Inspector Karen Winter says the controls give Police stronger powers to address alcohol-related disorder in public places and improve public safety. The rules apply only to open alcohol containers and consumption in public areas.

Historic Cob Cottage opens for public
One of Marlborough’s oldest homes will be open to the public with the Riverlands Cob Cottage holding an open day on Sunday 6 September.
Dating back to the mid-19th century, the cottage was built on the Riverlands run sometime between 1854 and 1868 and has had several lives over the years, including as a farm cottage, shearers’ quarters, school, storeroom and hay shed.
Restoration of the cottage to something close to its original state began in 1961, before it was opened to the public by the Marlborough Historical Society.  The newly renovated cottage offers a glimpse into the region’s early settlement and the lives of those who called it home. Marlborough Museum is inviting the public to come along and take a look inside the historic building, while learning more about its past.
The open day runs from 11am to 3pm, with everyone welcome and entry by donation.

Harassment appeal dismissed
A Marlborough man who subjected a neighbour to a prolonged campaign of harassment, including leaving gutted and decapitated eels in his letterbox, has failed in an appeal against his conviction and sentence.
Graeme Dynes, 67, was convicted of criminal harassment after behaviour that included racist language, offensive notes, sexual gestures, dog faeces thrown on a lawn and dead fish left in a mailbox.
The victim told the court he felt unsafe in his own home and eventually moved out.
The High Court upheld the conviction and sentence but directed the District Court to reconsider a reparation order.