Footpath in the area adjacent to Le Feugerel

2025.10.21

4.15   Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the pedestrian footpath between Mont de la Pulente and Rue de la Sergente (OQ.238/2025):

Will the Minister advise what plans, if any, he has to complete the pedestrian footpath between Mont de la Pulente and Rue de la Sergente in the area adjacent to Le Feugerel, and also provide the timeline to deliver this project?

Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John (The Minister for Infrastructure):

I thank the Deputy for his question. Further to my response to Deputy Renouf 's recent Written Question 371, I confirm that I remain committed to delivering a continuous footway along Rue de la Sergente and improving the adjacent rail crossing to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity in the area. Significant work has been undertaken since 2021 to progress the scheme, including design development and engagement with private land owners. However, delivery and programming of the works are contingent upon concluding land purchase agreements with neighbouring landowners and negotiations are ongoing and final agreement remains to be reached. The department continues to actively pursue a resolution with the land owners and once it is reached we will be able to provide a timeline for construction.

1. Deputy M. Tadier :

I thank the Minister for his answer and previous answers to my St. Brelade colleague. Could he confirm that if it appears there is going to be any holdup for whatever reason in the sale - and this has already been going on for 4 years - of that land, would the Minister advise whether he has any backup plan to join the roads up which may include no sale of private land, no purchase of private land by the States but a St. Mary's Village or St. Martin's Village development style of road narrowing and virtual footpath which may do the job just as well without needing to purchase any land?

The Connétable of St. John :

The Deputy raises an interesting question. The difference between the areas cited by the Deputy and Rue de la Sergente is the geometry. There is a corner which would not give oncoming traffic full sight so we do not believe that a virtual footway is sustainable there.

2. Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade :

In his answer to the Written Question I posed, it was revealed that the most recent contact of the landowners was in May for one land owner and June for the other, with the comment that the department is awaiting response. Back in June we were looking forward to summer. Now the swallows have left, the leaves are falling, the clocks are about to go back, how long will the department wait for a response?

The Connétable of St. John :

I asked that very question myself because, while I am happy for people to wait a few weeks, I was disappointed that it had taken several months. I have asked that question myself, I await the answer, but hopefully soon.

3. Deputy J. Renouf :

If I may pick up on Deputy Tadier 's point about alternatives. It seems to me that there are potential alternatives that would not involve a land purchase.

[11:45]

They might involve more extensive works than have been done in other similar schemes that the Deputy referred to. If the land purchase is proving really impossible, will the Minister undertake to review whether there might be other options that would be possible without a land purchase?

The Connétable of St. John :

I am happy to do that but I am hopeful that we can reach agreement. Part of the area was more complicated than first anticipated but I will go back and speak to officers about alternatives and also chase up for the times.

4. Deputy M. Tadier :

First of all, I would say it is not a corner at all, there is a slight bend, and that an alternative solution could be found whereby traffic was held up. I ask the Minister whether he would be open to both that possibility as an alternative to purchasing private land and also whether he will be willing to meet with representatives from the area at a site visit in the very near future to see what the options might be?

The Connétable of St. John :

I am more than happy to meet at St. Saviour , St. Brelade , any other district, to talk about road safety initiatives and try and get positive and constructive suggestions. I have to rely on the professional advice I am given. Often I will say to officers that I believe this will work or that will work, but I have to rely on the professional advice I have from professional road traffic engineers.