Douzaine issues update on parish surgeries

Parishioners at July's douzaine surgery.

This means that there are firm dates for two more surgeries – 26th September and 17th October – and there will be further updates on them nearer the time.

What to do now the pilot scheme has ended triggered quite a debate within the douzaine because it was recognised that there was a strong desire from a number of parishioners to hold them on a monthly basis, while the numbers actually attending suggested quarterly surgeries could be a practical alternative.

"We are also looking at other ways we might be able to communicate better with parishioners and this could affect the need for or timing of surgeries," said Junior Constable Richard Leale. "Until that process has been completed we felt it was premature to come to a firm decision at this time."

As a result, one surgery will be held the Saturday before the douzaine's September meeting, and another in October.

The ratepayers' meeting will be held in November after which the douzaine will re-consider the best way forward.