The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
2.15 Deputy S. Pitman of the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture regarding the cost of damages caused by vandals at Springfield Stadium:
Further to my written question of 31st January 2012 to the Minister for Home Affairs outlining the number of incidents of vandalism at Springfield Stadium, will the Minister now advise the Assembly the total financial cost to the States of repairing this damage?
Deputy P.J.D.Ryan of St. John (The Minister for Education, Sport and Culture):
In his answer on 31st January 2012, the Minister for Home Affairs informed the House that there were 26 reported incidents to the States of Jersey relating to both anti-social behaviour and, in some small number of cases, vandalism. Indeed 6 of those incidents were recorded as causing damage and 2 of those were to vehicles. One of these incidents was well-published when, in April 2011, approximately 50 seats in the grandstand were vandalised. The cost of repair on this occasion was about £1,000. It is estimated that the cost of repair for the remaining incidents amounts to about £200 for materials and about £500 for internal maintenance labour. This included breakage of chairs on 2 occasions and removal of graffiti on one other occasion. It is estimated that the total cost of repairing damage caused by these reported incidents in 2010 and 2011 was therefore £1,700.
- Deputy S. Pitman:
Do the figures that the Minister has quoted include contracted labour costs? The Deputy of St. John :
My understanding is that they do, yes.
- The Connétable of St. Helier :
While I am sure the Minister would join me in deploring the anti-social behaviour and particularly the vandalism that has occurred at Springfield, would he not agree with me that the failure of the States to maintain the asset and particularly the railings around Springfield park amounts to an extremely expensive and deplorable situation. Will he give assurances that those railings will be treated and dealt with and will he further undertake to replace the benches which have mysteriously vanished from the walk through Springfield and which make it difficult for people to stop and enjoy the park which is after all what it is and could he give me that undertaking that those benches will be replaced and the railings made good.
The Deputy of St. John :
First of all, I would share the Constable's concerns and feelings regarding the Springfield Stadium and I would also like to thank Deputy Shona Pitman for bringing these matters to my attention at a meeting that I attended with her and the Springfield residents yesterday evening. Most of these problems were unknown to me in the past and what I have undertaken to do, and perhaps the Constable would also be interested in this, is to meet again with the residents in one month's time, when I will have had the opportunity to discuss the whole matter with my officers and to take note of what resources or whatever might be required to try to help the residents of the Springfield area to improve their quality of life. I feel that I would certainly feel the same way as they do were I to be living in that area.
- Deputy S. Pitman:
Does the Minister agree that this reducing the vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the Stadium will involve him and his department working with different agencies? Can he confirm that he will be doing that?
The Deputy of St. John :
As I have said to the Deputy and she does know, I cannot confirm or deny anything at the moment but I do intend to report back to her and also the residents of the Springfield Stadium area in one month's time when I will be able to give more definitive answers. But I have to note that there may be resource implications and we all know that resource implications are difficult at this time. I would also like to say that nevertheless I will be committed to try to reduce vandalism and anti- social behaviour in the Springfield area, as indeed the States as a whole should be committed to doing, not only in the Springfield area but in many other areas in St. Helier as well.
The Bailiff :
Very well. That brings all questions on notice to a close so we move now to questions without notice. The first period is to the Minister for Housing.