Ashburton District Council offices have re-opened to the public after they were locked down this morning because of a threat to a staff member.
The council said the threat was made against a building inspector on a work site and police had now taken measures to resolve the matter.
Mayor Angus McKay said the staff member was threatened while out in the community and the lockdown was a precautionary measure.
As an employer we wish to look after our staff and as a council we wish to look after the people of Ashburton, so we're being very cautious."
Mr McKay said staff continued to take phone calls from the public during the lockdown.