Deliberations of Vale parish meeting published plus more details of Constable election

The Vale Church, pictured earlier this year

A significant part of the meeting was a request by the Parochial Cemetery Committee that it hand over the running of the cemeteries to the Constables and Douzaine of the Vale.

This was approved in principle and further details will be provided at the March parish meeting, when the parish rates and budget will also be on the agenda.

The full text of the deliberations are available below in the downloads section. 

Following a proposition to defer the election for Constable because there were two candidates, this will now be held on Wednesday 18 November 2026 between 10am and 8pm.

The candidates are Senior Constable John Niles and Geoffrey Lemée and their "manifestos" are as follows:

GEOFFREY J. LEMÉE

Candidate for Constable of the Vale

I have lived in the Vale for 56 years and am standing for election as Constable because I believe I have something worthwhile to offer our parish and its residents.

For more than 25 years, I have regularly attended Deputies' surgeries, contributing to discussions and helping parishioners raise matters of concern. Since these surgeries ceased, there has been a noticeable gap in opportunities for residents to discuss local issues and seek answers. The recent trial Douzaine surgeries over the past few months have demonstrated just how valuable this opportunity can be. I would fully support continuing and developing these surgeries.

If elected, I would want to concentrate on issues that matter to Vale residents, including:

• Traffic management, particularly around Leale's Yard/Bridge.

• Housing and the impact of development on our parish.

• School traffic and road safety.

• Protecting our local environment.

• Improving cooperation between the Constables, Douzaine and States departments to get things done.

Above all, I believe these issues must be approached by listening to parishioners and involving them in decisions that affect their lives.

I would be honoured to have your support and the privilege of serving as your Constable. I believe that listening is an important skill, and I would welcome the opportunity to work with residents, represent their concerns and do my best to achieve practical results.

It is easy to complain; getting answers and making things happen is what really matters.

Geoffrey J. Lemée

This has been received from Mr Niles:

JOHN NILES

Candidate for Constable of the Vale

I have lived in the Vale all my life, with deep family roots in the parish and at L'Ancresse Common, where I live. The Vale is my home, and I care passionately about its future.

Elected to the Douzaine in 2019, I became Junior Constable in 2023 and took over as Senior Constable in January 2026. I am seeking your support to continue in the role.

My experience alongside Richard Leale has given me a much greater understanding of the responsibilities of Constable and the challenges facing our parish. We have improved financial transparency by publishing our accounts, and I want to build on this progress, with a parish budget approaching three-quarters of a million pounds.

I also want to improve communication with residents and ensure their views are heard.

The Vale faces important decisions on housing and development. We must help address Guernsey's housing shortage while protecting our parish from inappropriate over-development and its consequences for traffic and parking.

Key projects include Leale's Yard regeneration, improvements to the Bridge, the proposed Black Rock reclamation, flood defences and the Kenilworth Vinery/Parc Le Lacheur housing development. I am familiar with these issues and committed to ensuring the Vale's interests are represented.

Being Constable also requires financial understanding, the ability to chair meetings, manage staff, work with States departments, oversee health and safety, and understand how the Douzaine functions. Above all, it demands leadership, sound judgement, decision-making and teamwork.

I offer local knowledge, practical experience, commitment and a willingness to listen and keep learning.

I believe the Vale deserves a Constable who understands its character, recognises its challenges and will work hard for its residents.

I ask for your vote so I can build on the work already started and continue putting the Vale first.

Downloads

• November Parish Meeting Deliberations 2026