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STATES OF JERSEY ORDER PAPER
Tuesday, 22nd October 2002 and Wednesday 23rd October 2002 if necessary
- COMMUNICATIONS BY THE BAILIFF
- TABLING OF SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION
(Explanatory note attached)
Community Provisions (Zimbabwe - Restrictive Measures) (No. 3) (Jersey) Order 2002. R & O 118/2002.
Policy and Resources Committee.
Civil Service Administration (General) (Jersey) Rules 1949 (Amendment No. 13) (Jersey) Order 2002. R & O 119/2002. Human Resources Committee.
- MATTERS RELATING TO COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
- PRESENTATION OF PAPERS
- Papers for information
Matters presented under Standing Order 6A(1)(a)
Machinery of Government: first report of the Privileges and Procedures Committee. Privileges and Procedures Committee.
States of Jersey Law 1966, as amended: delegation of functions - Gambling (Licensing Provisions) (Jersey) Regulations 1965, as amended.
Gambling Control Committee.
R.C. 41/2002.
Matters presented under Standing Order 6A(1)(b)
Presented on 15th October 2002
States of Jersey Law 1966, as amended: R.C.39/2002. delegation of functions - prison - temporary
release of prisoners.
Home Affairs Committee.
States of Jersey Law 1966, as amended: R.C.40/2002. delegation of functions - requests for use of
trading funds.
Finance and Economics Committee.
- Notification of Standing Order decisions
- Notification of acceptance of tenders
- Papers to be lodged "au Greffe" under Standing Order 17A(1)(a)
- Notification of Papers lodged "au Greffe" under Standing Order 17A(1)(b)
Lodged on 15th October 2002
Draft Official Publications (Amendment) P.188/2002. (Jersey) Law 200-.
Legislation Committee.
Draft Housing (General Provisions) P.189/2002 (Amendment No. 17) (Jersey) Regulations 200-.
Housing Committee.
- Papers for consideration by the States in Committee under Standing Order 38A
- STATEMENTS AND PROPOSITIONS RELATING TO THE ARRANGEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS AT THIS OR ANY SUBSEQUENT MEETING
The President of the Health and Social Services Committee will ask the States to agree that consideration of the proposition regarding The Haven, La Grande Route de St. Martin, St. Saviour: purchase of land. (P.185/2002 lodged "au Greffe" on 8th October 2002) be deferred from the present meeting to a later date.
THE STATES are asked to agree that the following matters lodged "au Greffe" be considered at their next meeting on 5th November 2002 -
Draft Police Procedures and Criminal Evidence (Jersey) Law 200-.
Lodged: 28th May 2002.
Home Affairs Committee.
Draft Police Procedures and Criminal Evidence (Jersey) Law 200- (P.89/2002): comments. Presented: 11th June 2002.
Human Resources Committee.
Draft Police Procedures and Criminal Evidence (Jersey) Law 200- (P.89/2002): comments. Presented: 11th June 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
Draft Police Procedures and Criminal Evidence (Jersey) Law 200- (P.89/2002): second amendment.
Lodged: 1st October 2002.
Home Affairs Committee.
P.89/2002. P.89/2002. Com.
P.89/2002. Com. (2)
P.89/2002. Amd.(2)
Draft Copyright (Jersey) Law 200-. P.160/2002. Lodged: 10th September 2002.
Industries Committee.
Channel Islands Lottery: allocation of profits. P.174/2002. Lodged: 1st October 2002.
Gambling Control Committee.
Ruxley, Longueville Road, St. Saviour : P.178/2002. purchase.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Home Affairs Committee.
Mrs. Aline May Moyse, née Gosney: acceptance P.180/2002 of bequest.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Health and Social Services Committee
Draft Highways (Road Humps) (Jersey) P.182/2002. Regulations 200-.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Public Services Committee.
Constitution and membership of the States: P.183/2002. referendum.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Senator P.V.F. Le Claire.
Draft Dogs (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law P.184/2002. 200-.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Legislation Committee.
- PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS
- QUESTIONS
Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement will ask a question of the President of the Planning and Environment Committee regarding the footbridge to provide pedestrian access to the west of Albert site.
The Deputy of St. John will ask a question of the President of the Home Affairs Committee about equipment and training to deal with chemical, biological or radiological threats.
The Deputy of St. Martin will ask a question of the President of the Public Services Committee about Devon Gardens, Gorey.
Senator P.V.F. Le Claire will ask a question of the President of the Employment and Social Security Committee about the introduction of legislation on the reporting of incidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences.
Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour will ask a question of H.M. Attorney General about the human rights implications of senior citizens bus passes.
Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement will ask a question of the President of the Harbours and Airport Committee about an incident involving the Harbour Master and the use of the States launch.
The Deputy of Grouville will ask a question of the President of the Harbours and Airport Committee regarding new air services
to the Island.
- MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
- PERSONAL STATEMENTS
- COMMITTEE STATEMENTS
- PUBLIC BUSINESS
Committee of Inquiry into allocation procedures by Housing Trusts: appointment of members. Deputy S.M. Baudains of St. Helier .
(attached).
Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the P.172/2002. United States of America. (Paragraph (a) only).
Lodged: 24th September 2002.
Policy and Resources Committee.
Jersey Harbours: harbour dues. P.129/2002. Lodged: 23rd July 2002.
Harbours and Airport Committee.
Jersey Harbours: harbour dues (P.129/2002) - P.129/2002. comments. Com. Presented: 24th September 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
Jersey Harbours: harbour dues (P.129/2002) - P.129/2002. comments. Com(2). Presented: 8th October 2002.
Policy and Resources Committee.
Haut de la Garenne: Incorporation of Trust, P.147/2002. appointment of original Trustees, and lease of
property to the Trust.
Lodged: 3rd September 2002.
Planning and Environment Committee.
Haut de la Garenne: Incorporation of Trust, P.147/2002. appointment of original Trustees, and lease of Com. property to the Trust (P.147/2002) - comments.
Presented: 10th September 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
Haut de la Garenne: Incorporation of Trust, P.147/2002 appointment of original Trustees, and lease of Amd. property to the Trust (P.147/2002) -
amendment.
Lodged: 24th September 2002.
Planning and Environment Committee.
Draft Law granting an Act of Incorporation to P.148/2002. the Association called "The Haut de la Garenne
Trust".
Lodged: 3rd September 2002.
Planning and Environment Committee.
Machinery of Government: election and P.149/2002. removal of ministers and votes of no confidence
in ministers.
Lodged: 3rd September 2002.
Senator S. Syvret.
Machinery of Government: election and P.149/2002. removal of ministers and votes of no confidence Com. in ministers (P.149/2002) - comments.
Presented: 8th October 2002.
Policy and Resources Committee.
Draft States Reform: Reorganization of P.152/2002. Committees (Transitional Arrangements)
(Jersey) Act 200-.
Lodged: 10th September 2002.
Privileges and Procedures Committee.
Draft Public Finances (Administration) P.153/2002. (Amendment No. 11) (Jersey) Law 200-.
Lodged: 10th September 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders (Jersey) Law P.156/2002. 2001 (Appointed Day) Act 200-.
Lodged: 10th September 2002.
Legislation Committee.
Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) P.157/2002. (Jersey) Regulations 200-.
Lodged: 10th September 2002.
Legislation Committee.
Draft Honorary Police (Amendment No. 2) P.159/2002. (Jersey) Regulations 200-.
Lodged: 10th September 2002.
Home Affairs Committee.
Elizabeth Harbour, St. Helier: Commodore P.161/2002. Shipping (Jersey) Limited - variation and
assignment of lease.
Lodged: 17th September 2002.
Harbours and Airport Committee.
Draft Insurance Business (Amendment No. 4) P.162/2002. (Jersey) Law 200-.
Lodged: 17th September 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
Draft Misuse of Drugs (Amendment No. 3) P.164/2002. (Jersey) Law 200-.
Lodged: 24th September 2002.
Health and Social Services Committee.
Draft Community Provisions Dual-Use items P.165/2002. (Export Control) (Amendment) (Jersey)
Regulations 200-.
Lodged: 24th September 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
Draft European Communities Legislation P.168/2002. (Implementation) (Cattle Identification) (Jersey)
Regulations 200-.
Lodged: 24th September 2002.
Agriculture and Fisheries Committee.
St. Helier Street Life Programme. P.170/2002. Lodged: 24th September 2002.
Planning and Environment Committee.
St. Helier Street Life Programme (P.170/2002): amendment.
Planning and Environment Committee. (attached).
St. Helier Street Life Programme (P.170/2002): second amendment.
Senator P.V.F. Le Claire.
(attached).
Kew Gardens, Valley Road, St. Helier: approval P.175/2002. of drawings.
Lodged: 1st October 2002.
Housing Committee.
Kew Gardens, Valley Road, St. Helier: approval P.175/2002. of drawings (P.175/2002) – comments. Com. Presented: 8th October 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
Draft Parish Rate (Jersey) Law 200-. P.176/2002. Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Connétable of Grouville .
Draft Amendment (No. 23) of the Standing P.177/2002. Orders of the States of Jersey.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Privileges and Procedures Committee.
Jersey Overseas Aid Committee: funding. P.179/2002. Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Overseas Aid Committee.
Jersey Financial Services Commission: P.181/2002. appointment of commissioners.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Finance and Economics Committee.
(consideration in camera).
Subject to E –
The Haven, La Grande Route de St. Martin, P.185/2002. St. Saviour: purchase of land.
Lodged: 8th October 2002.
Health and Social Services Committee.
C.M. NEWCOMBE Greffier of the States
17th October 2002
Explanatory Note regarding subordinate legislation tabled at this meeting.
R&O 118/2002
The purpose of this Order is to replace the Community Provisions (Zimbabwe - Restrictive Measures) (No. 2) (Jersey) Order 2002 which gave effect in the Island to a Council Regulation of the European Communities that put in place certain restrictive measures in respect of Zimbabwe. This new Order is in identical terms save that it extends the list of persons, entities and bodies to whom no funds, financial assets or economic resources shall be made available.
The Order was made on 10th October 2002 and came into force forthwith. R & O 119/2002
The purpose of this Order is to prescribe minimum periods of notice required to be given by the Civil Service Board and by an officer in order to terminate the officer's appointment. The opportunity has been taken to remove two references to the now obsolete grades AI to AIII.
The Order was made on 17th October 2002 and came into force forthwith.
QUESTION PAPER (See Item G)
Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement will ask the following question of the President of the Planning and Environment Committee -
"With regard to the possible construction of a footbridge to provide pedestrian access to the west of Albert site, would the President -
( a ) confirm that his departmental officers are
promoting the scheme and state under which policy or policies they are acting?
( b ) g ive details of public consultation relating to this
scheme including the numbers of people canvassed and the percentage found to favour a bridge compared with more conventional alternatives?
( c ) a dvise members who took the decision to put the
plan out to competition, who will decide the winner and whether the contestants have been given any expectation that the bridge is likely to be built?
( d ) s tate why, given the previous difficulties that have
arisen as a result of using a design competition, that method was chosen to decide the form of a possible footbridge for the waterfront?"
The Deputy of St. John will ask the following question of the President of the Home Affairs Committee -
"(a) W ould the President advise members why it is
necessary for the States Police to request £10,000 from the Emergencies Council for chemical/biological, radiological and nuclear warfare suits and training when they have a budget of £19 million? Why is the Police Force unable to fund the aforementioned out of its contingency fund?
- A s training is proposed for police officers in biological, radiological and nuclear warfare incidents, will the President give details on whether the Fire and Rescue Service currently has this equipment? If the answer is in the affirmative, would he advise the number of suits held by them and the number of officers trained in the aforementioned procedure?
- Ar e these suits available to other uniformed organisations in the Island, for example, the Territorial Army, and are Territorial Army personnel also trained in biological, radiological and nuclear warfare incidents?"
The Deputy of St. Martin will ask the following question of the President of the Public Services Committee -
"In response to questions asked on 26th February this year, the President stated that a request for funding to repair the footpath and supporting walls at Devon Gardens in Gorey would be made to the Finance and Economics Committee. It was also stated that even if funding was provided, remedial work would not be able to commence until a survey of the lizards had been carried out.
Will the President advise -
( a ) wh ether the necessary funding has been provided?
( b ) wh ether the survey of the lizard population has
been completed?
( c ) wh en the remedial work will commence? "
Senator P.V.F. Le Claire will ask the following question of the President of the Employment and Social Security Committee -
"On 8th October 2002 the President of the Harbours and Airport Committee informed members that legislation equivalent to the Reporting of Incidents, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations of the United Kingdom does not exist in Jersey.
Would the President inform members whether the Committee is willing to consider, in conjunction with other Committees as appropriate, the introduction of equivalent legislation in Jersey?"
Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour , will ask the following question of H.M. Attorney General -
"Would the Attorney General inform members of the Human Rights implications of issuing Senior Citizen Bus Passes at age 60 to a large number of female senior citizens and at age 65 to male senior citizens?"
Deputy G.C.L. Baudains of St. Clement will ask the following question of the President of the Harbours and Airport Committee -
- "On Friday, 4th October 2002, the Harbourmaster was involved in a motorboat accident. In view of the seriousness of the crash, would the President state -
( a ) wh at qualifications are required to skipper a boat
of this type?
( b ) wh ether an investigation into the incident is to be
carried out and, if so, whether it will be independent and the results made public?
( c ) wh ether the cost of the accident will be covered by
insurance?"
- "With reference to the States' launch, would the President advise -
( a ) h ow many occasions it has been outside Jersey's territorial waters in the last 12 months?
( b ) t he destinations and dates of those journeys?"
The Deputy of Grouville will ask the following question of the Harbours and Airport Committee -
"Would the President advise members of the Committee's plans to encourage new airlines, including so called 'low cost' airlines, to begin air services to and from Jersey. In particular, what study has the Committee made of differential landing and passenger charges in line with Oxera's analysis of the options for these, in order to encourage greater off-peak use of the airport, and how does the Committee intend taking forward this crucial aspect of the future Airport funding regime?"
PROPOSITION
COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO ALLOCATION PROCEDURES BY HOUSING TRUSTS: APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion -
to re f e r to their Act dated 8th October 2002 in which they agreed, in accordance with Article 36B of the States
of Jersey Law 1966, as amended, that a Committee of Inquiry should be appointed to investigate fully the current procedures that are in place for the allocation of residential property by housing trusts that are supported by the Housing Development Fund, and to report back to the States with such recommendations as the Committee considers to be appropriate, and -
(a ) t o appoint the following persons as members of the Committee of Inquiry -
(i ) Ju r a t E r nest William Herbert (President);
(i i) M r . F r a ncis Le Gresley;
(i ii ) M r s . Ir i s Medora Le Feuvre MBE;
(i v ) M r. R o n ald Peter Welling
(b ) t o agree, in accordance with Article 36B(2) of the States of Jersey Law 1966, as amended -
(i ) th a t M r. Francis Le Gresley shall, if required, preside in the absence of the President; and (i i) t h a t t h e quorum of the Committee shall be two.
DEPUTY S.M. BAUDAINS OF ST. HELIER
Report
On 8th October 2002 the States adopted a proposition concerning the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry and –
in accordance with Article 36B of the States of Jersey Law 1966, as amended, approved the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry to investigate fully the current procedures that are in place for the allocation of residential property by housing trusts that are supported by the Housing Development Fund, and to report back to the States with such recommendations as the Committee considers to be appropriate.
I am now asking the States to approve the appointment of the following persons as members of the Committee of Inquiry -
Jurat E.W. Herbert (President) Mr. F. Le Gresley
Mrs. I.M. Le Feuvre MBE Mr. R.P. Welling
I am bringing this proposition on a blue' because I believe that it is important for the Committee of Inquiry to begin its work as soon as possible. The States have agreed to establish the Committee of Inquiry and, as I have been able to identify four persons who are willing to serve, I can see no reason to delay. Many new housing developments will soon be ready for allocation and it is therefore essential that this Committee of Inquiry can investigate current procedures and make recommendations as soon as possible.
Financial and manpower implications
The financial and manpower implications of this Committee of Inquiry were set out in the original proposition which received the comments of the Finance and Economics Committee (P.139/2002 Com(2)) and the Human Resources Committee (P.139/2002 Com.).
I attach a brief C.V. for each of the nominees.
Jurat E.W. (Nick') Herbert
Educated at the Grammar School, Sandown, Isle of Wight. Professional training at the College of St. Mark and St. John , London, the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama. Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music.
Taught at St. John's School; Headmaster at St. James School, Plat Douet School, Halkett Place School and Rouge Bouillon School. Undertook educational research on transfer from primary to secondary education.
Elected as a Jurat of the Royal Court in 1990.
Was previously Chairman of the Social Services Review Group; Chairman of the Jersey Council on Alcoholism, Chairman of the Agriculture Policy Review Group; and Member of the Jersey Arts Trust.
Currently Chairman of the Employment Forum; Member of the Health and Social Services Policy Group; Chairman of the Shelter Trust; and Patron of the Decade for the Eradication of Poverty.
Mr. F. Le Gresley ACIB
Bureau Manager of the Jersey Citizens' Advice Bureau since October 1992. Previously, joint owner of St. Mary's Post Office and General Store (1990-1998); Manager- Banking, the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Jersey (1989-1990); Banking Manager, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, Jersey (1985-1989); Assistant Banking Manager, Williams and Glyns bank plc, Jersey (1982-1985); Various Assistant Manager posts at Williams and Glyns bank plc, Jersey (1976-1982); Barclays Bank plc, joined the Bank as a junior clerk on leaving school (1968-1976).
Currently also Chairman of the Management Committee of Minden Base (under 21s drop-in centre); Trustee of the Community Charitable Trust; States-appointed member of the Data Protection Tribunal; and Managing Trustee of the Shelter Trust.
Mrs I.M. Le Feuvre MBE
Deputy of St. Lawrence (1978-1981) and Connétable of St. Lawrence (1984-2000).
Currently Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Registration of Homes; Chairman of the Committee for the Eradication of Poverty; Chairman of St. Lawrence Sheltered Housing; Trustee of the Jersey Childcare Trust; Trustee of ACET; Trustee of Minden Base; Director of the Community Bank; and Member of the Council of Communicare.
Mr. R.P. Welling
Appointed as Managing Director of La Motte Ford Group, Jersey, in 1985. Partner in Martin Batty and partners. Non- executive director of Barclays Unicorn Management Buy Out Limited, Hugo Trustees Ltd, Hugo Finance Ltd. Retired in 2000. Member of the Rent Control Tribunal and the Statistics Users Group. Interests include amateur painting and writing, family and garden.
ST. HELIER STREET LIFE PROGRAMME (P.170/2002) - AMENDMENT
In the preamble to the proposition, after the words "report dated 19th September 2002 of the Planning and Environment Committee" insert the words ", as amended in the manner set out in Appendix to the report of the Committee dated 9th October 2002".
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
Note: T h e Public Services Committee supports this amendment.
Report
The purpose of this amendment, which amends the report accompanying the Committee's own proposition P.170/2002 in the manner set out in the attached Appendix, is to clarify, for the avoidance of doubt, its intentions, and those of the Public Services Committee as the strategic highway authority, regarding the proposed implementation of traffic management change affecting Dumaresq Street and its potential impact upon business.
It is a stated objective of the Street Life Programme, amongst others, to maintain and enhance the viability and vitality of the town which means fully providing for the needs of business. This amendment serves to demonstrate that changes which directly affect business will not be made until it is considered appropriate to do so, having satisfied business that the viability of their operation would not be unduly affected.
There are no additional financial or manpower implications arising out this amendment. 9th October 2002.
APPENDIX
Amendments to the report dated 19th September 2002 set out in P.170/2002
- F o r paragraph 4.4 (page 6) there shall be substituted the following revised paragraph 4.4 -
"4.4 T h e ongoing dialogue with business will ensure the continued recognition of these specific
requirements. Indeed, following representations and intensive dialogue with one major retail and wholesale operator in Dumaresq Street, it is proposed that the traffic management changes envisaged to restrict access to Dumaresq Street from York Street (as detailed on the St. Helier Town Centre (West) Traffic Plan and detailed in appendix two: phase two) are not implemented until the implications of implementing other phases of the Programme (i.e. Phase three, which involves making Union Street two way to New Street) for vehicular access to this area are clear and that access and egress to and from Dumaresq Street via Union Street is working to the satisfaction of the appropriate Committees and the particular major retail and wholesale operator in Dumaresq Street that has previously made representations in this respect.. This will involve a detailed monitoring and analysis of change and continued dialogue with the company concerned to ensure that the needs of business are recognised and satisfied. For this reason, the proposals indicated on the series of plans that accompany this report can only be indicative: further consultation on specific and detailed proposals with stakeholders may generate a requirement for substantive change and/or refinement."
- F o r the fifth paragraph of Appendix 2, St. Helier Town Centre (West), Phase Two (page 16) there shall be substituted the following revised paragraph -
"In considering the views of business, however, objection has been raised relating to the proposed restriction of access to Dumaresq Street from York Street. As a consequence of this objection, these traffic management changes will not be implemented until the traffic management changes in Phase three (referred to above and relating to Union Street) have been implemented and are deemed to be operating to the satisfaction of the appropriate Committees and the particular major retail and wholesale operator in Dumaresq Street that has previously made representations in this respect. This will involve continued dialogue with business to assess the impact of Phase three changes upon access to and egress from Dumaresq Street."
ST. HELIER STREET LIFE PROGRAMME (P.170/2002) – SECOND AMENDMENT ____________
After paragraphs (b) insert the following new paragraph (c) -
" ( c) t o agree that, following consultations with residents, traders, the Parish of St. Helier, and all other Committees concerned, the Planning and Environment and Public Services Committees should take steps as soon as possible to improve facilities for pedestrians in the following locations in the vicinity of Val Plaisant, St. Helier –
- t he east side of Val Plaisant between Victoria Street and Winchester Street;
- Val Plaisant at its junction with Devonshire Place; and
- the west side of New Street between No. 60A New Street and 52 New Street (the premises known as Jason's Barber's Shop').
SENATOR P.V.F. LE CLAIRE
Report
In its report to the States the Planning and Environment Committee highlights the need for the States to be provided with the "Big Picture" in relation to future traffic management in the centre of St. Helier over the short to medium term. It continues, to confirm that the centre of St. Helier could and should be a safer and more pleasant place for the pedestrian.
In bringing this amendment at the eleventh hour I recognise that members may feel that there has been not enough time to consider this properly. I have, however, for some months now been trying to raise this issue through polite and personal dialogue with the President of the Planning and Environment Committee, the President of the Public Services Committee and Deputy Jennifer Bridge and the Connétable of St. Helier ; it is well known that this perhaps combines some of the most concerned politicians in relation to pedestrian issues. I have come to the conclusion, however, that my efforts are fruitless and if I do not succeed in convincing my colleagues that this is of urgent importance the issue will not be addressed for some considerable time and in the interim I am convinced that someone will be seriously hurt or worse killed. I make that statement not lightly with some expectation of its impact upon members.
The pedestrians that currently utilise the area whether they be shoppers, commuters or schoolchildren and parents have all recognised the difficulties and dangers that exist. It is, in my opinion, incredible that although I have been calling for something to be done about these areas nothing has. It is not some pet project on the pages of my manifesto but a government responsibility that should be addressed immediately. The main road is described on page 24 of the report as a secondary traffic route - it is however a primary pedestrian route.
At area 1, from the corner of Victoria Street on Val Plaisant to Winchester Street, the condition of the pavements and the width of them are causing all kinds of difficulties for pedestrians who are either walking or in wheelchairs. Mothers with prams, or even single pedestrians, compete for the right or pleasure of making their journeys along the complete length of the pavements or part road and pavement use. The shop on the corner opposite the Church (Barker's newsagents) is used extensively by residents and commuters alike and the width of the pavement is at its narrowest a mere 23" or 1 foot 11". People travelling to the shop to buy their newspapers and small items are used to stepping off the pavement to complete their journey and on occasions trip when making their steps from pavement to road and back to pavement again.
As the building may be listed, or otherwise of some architectural merit, and business concern like many of the premises in this area that could be affected, a thorough consultation is required. Also the Continental Cafe is frequented by many local residents and island workers in vehicles often parking on the yellow lines and or pavements - further obstructing access whilst they visit the various businesses. I have spoken to the cafe owner and he agrees that it is difficult and thinks something should be done.
At area 2, the old filter in turn at Devonshire Place where it meets Val Plaisant at Reids the chemist, a fast turning approach for vehicles onto Val Plaisant is made by vehicles coming off Devonshire Place. This occurs with greater speed at most times due to the decision to remove the filter in turn. This is perhaps the most dangerous point I know of in the island at this time for pedestrians and the potential for drivers to have to face the serious consequences of an accident are extremely high. The corner is used extensively by schoolchildren travelling up Garden Lane on their way to Rouge Bouillion School and Haute Valleé. It is also to be remembered that parents with young children in prams accompany many of these children who are also put in harm's way. I have spoken to the Pharmacist at Reids Chemist and he also believes improvements should be made if consultations prove that this is desirable. There is a "Jersey small zebra pedestrian crossing" which is used frequently to cross from Vauxhall Street but with a clear line of sight this would be less important, it would seem, than one on the corner. Recently consultation with Deputy Bridge, who has worked tirelessly on these issues, identified concerns, I believe, in Craig Street and this vicinity. Indeed Deputy Bridge also accompanied the President of the Public Services Committee on a field trip to the area upon my request for which I thank them.
At area 3, from 60A New Street to the barber's shop known as "Jason's the Barber Shop" the pedestrian footpath is a meagre 29" wide. Having spoken to the manager, the building I believe is listed, the owner was unavailable to comment but concern was expressed about proper consultation prior to any works being undertaken, something I expressed would be sought. The pavement once again leaves no option but for people with prams or otherwise to step into the road. It was during the summer that I personally witnessed a lady fall due to the uneven surface of the pavement in between these points and, upon helping her, I discovered that she was suffering from cancer which had been initiated, according to her, from a previous fall. It was of some concern, as a member of the Health and Social Services Committee, for me to hear this.
I ask members to consider the "Big Picture" and to approve my amendment. For the record I do live in the area and this would obviously seem to be something of a vested interest, I do not own property however and surely the safety of our residents is a vested interest for us all.
Financial and manpower implications
The human resources and financial implications are difficult to quantify, however the report states that funds and resources are available for the current proposals through the Urban Renewal Programme. There has been identified a sum of £500,000.00 on page 21 of the 2002 Resource Plan for Urban renewal for 2004, this perhaps could be used to deliver these aims and the human resources could be delivered by utilising these funds.
In the future we could remove these back streets from their rat-run labels if we take the opportunity to channel funds into schemes such as that which happened at Columbus Street and Dorset street EPIA 1. In the new Island Plan there are identified BE Plans (action areas) 10 areas which could benefit from renewal and revitalisation. There is merit in encouraging the new executive structure of Environment and Public Services, together with the Parish, in considering how we deliver multiple improvements with relatively small amounts of money. Surely this is preferential rather than continually creating new footwear that will need replacing and repairing. This will deliver the aims and objectives in a real way as set out in the "big picture" which I believe offers a strategic way forward in terms of delivering the quality of life and safety issue needs of St. Helier .