ALP members on Newcastle Council have lost a motion to apply to the state government to permanently close Laman Street to traffic, as a way of retaining the figs.
The motion, which also included the creation of additional parking, was voted down after it was claimed the process could prolong debate on the trees by 12 months, at a cost to ratepayers of $2.1-million.
It was also noted there had been no public consultation with the users of the art gallery, library and the Baptist Tabernacle.
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