BUNINYONG’S Blackberry Lane residents have been given a two-week reprieve.Ballarat City Council last night deferred a decision over the lane’s proposed partial closure due to concerns that several issues need clarification.Heated debate filled the chamber as residents both for and against the closure spoke, often accompanied by clapping, shouting and angry interjections.The council is considering permanently closing a 285-metre section of the lane – which has been temporarily closed since 2008 – for environmental protection and to prevent four-wheel-drive and trail-bike riding.But Blackberry Lane residents say it is their only escape route in the event of a fire. The council temporarily opened the gates over the last fire season.Nearby resident Daryl Chibnall said he was concerned about both land degradation and hoon driving in the lane.“Give this beautiful place the protection it deserves,” Mr Chibnall said.“There is no real reason for this sensitive and fragile part of Blackberry Lane to stay open.”But Blackberry Lane resident Michelle Pearson said bushwalkers and a koala habitat shouldn’t be more important than residents’ safety.“If this decision is made, then nothing has been learnt from the lessons of Black Saturday,” Ms Pearson said.Mr Chibnall, speaking on behalf of Peter Hiscock, said the central issue was that the lane was an “enjoyable precursor to a walk free from traffic”.Cheryl Vawdrey said they didn’t want a thoroughfare, just a fire access track.Brett Weinberg said the issue started with a confrontation between a bushwalker and a driver several years ago.“Now look where we are, sitting around arguing about it,” Mr Weinberg said.“Apparently hoon behaviour is more important than the lives of 23 residents.”Councillor Des Hudson moved that the issue be deferred to the June 23 council meeting.“With the level of discussion we’ve had, I still feel we need to make some things crystal-clear,” Cr Hudson said.“Just listening to the variety of questions, even in my mind there are a number of issues that need clarification.“We’re not going to make a decision on the run.”