A man has barricaded himself on a viewing balcony at the Christ Church Cathedral to publicise his row with the Accident Compensation Corporation.

At about 2pm the man climbed to the balcony, locked a door behind him, and unfurled a banner promoting the website www.screwedbyacc.co.nz.

Police have issued the protester with a trespass notice giving him 30 minutes to leave the Cathedral. However, they will not attempt to enforce it today.

If he refuses to leave, it is understood the police will not return until lunch time tomorrow.

Dean of Christ Church Cathedral Peter Beck said he had spoken to the protester who was “a very pleasant person with a very strong point of view’’.