Christchurch sex workers will continue to be allowed to work from Manchester Street.
In a meeting held today, Christchurch City Councillors voted not to introduce a bylaw to regulate the sex workers.
Manchester Street residents, north of Bealey Avenue, have complained about street-based sex workers in the area since the 2011 earthquake.
Instead the council will set up a community working group, working with the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective, to find ways to encourage sex workers not to work in residential areas.
Sex workers used to work south of Bealey Avenue, but were forced out of the area when the city was cordoned after the 2011 earthquake.
They are reluctant to move back there because of roadworks.
The council's head of strategic policy, Helen Beaumont, realises residents will be upset over council's decision.
It had become clear during investigations that a bylaw created under the local government act would be very difficult to effectively enforce, she said.
The police were initially willing to assist council by enforcing a new bylaw and regulating street-based sex work, but had withdrawn their support.
The Council says it will set up a working group to investigate other options to encourage sex workers away from residential areas.
"We think the issues can be addressed in other ways," Ms Beaumont said.
"We've been looking closely at what has worked in Auckland and are working with the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective, the police and social agencies on ways we can encourage the street-based sex workers to relocate."
- additional reporting NZ Newswire
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