AGAINST CLOSURE

Auckland Chamber of Commerce says closing Westfield Station won’t improve South Auckland’s transport. Michael Barnett says the closure is shortsighted and won’t help workers and residents. ‘‘The decision should be about the network and integrating the station’s improvement as part of Auckland Council’s long-term urban intensification plans.’’ Barnett says the decision has been made ‘‘in isolation’’ from council’s intensification plans for the area. He says the lack of a station won’t help the workforce at surrounding industries move away from using their cars. ‘‘As the rail system is modernised and improved and the intensification of more businesses to the area takes place, amuch wider uptake during the working day could be expected over time.’’