Common proves hot topic at Douzaine Surgery

Douzenier André Quevâtre was one of the Vale officials hosting this month's surgery and, as president of the Vale Commons Council, which administers the area, was happy to take questions on this topic, which generated a lot of interest.

A variety of subjects were covered, with douzeniers Julie Creed and Anne Setters also contributing, with much of the debate focusing on how people were using the Common, particularly regarding parking and cycling. 

Cars being left especially in the area near the bus turning point at Pembroke was raised, with differing thoughts on this as some were opposed and others sympathetic to beach users at peak times, especially given this year's exceptional summer.

Cyclists not sticking to the coastal "grey" path, where riding is permitted, was a concern, with varying views, especially when it came to safety issues and children on bikes.

Narrow
The narrow access into the car park opposite the former L’Ancresse Lodge Hotel was questioned by one parishioner, and has been raised with the Constables and Council in the past, too.

André Quevâtre explained the balance the council had to try to strike in making the car park inaccessible for large vehicles, which had been historically left there, while at the same time making it easily accessible for cars for users of the Common.

He explained that the small car park behind the kiosk is States-owned land, so not part of the Commons Council remit. He also said work had started in looking into making it the same as the recently reinstated Lucksall site car park near Les Amarreurs, but the cost was prohibitive.

A mound of soil left at Longree (reported last month) was discussed and further reassurance was given that it had been removed at no cost to Vale ratepayers.

A parishioner who lives in a property on the Common raised concerns that the Commons Council no longer directly employ people to maintain and look after the Common.

Mr Quevâtre explained that this was a very recent change and said the council will instead be employing contractors to carry out the same work and maintenance as previously provided. 

Risk
This particular parishioner was concerned about the growth of vegetation on her boundary and how the previous workmen cleared an area around her property because the risk of fire worried her.

Discussions around consulting the Fire and Rescue Service over recommended fire breaks around property in case of a fire on the Common were taken on board. and the issue of debris and cuttings left on some of the smaller paths was mentioned. This was raised as being a potential fire risk, especially with the very dry summer.

Mr Quevâtre explained some of the wider areas that have been cleared at L'Ancresse are not fire breaks but rather access routes to allow vehicles and fire appliances to get to the area if needed.

He also highlighted the difficulties the council has in managing "Triple S" sites – those designated by the States as Sites of Special Significance. These are designed to protect environments with outstanding botanical, scientific, zoological, or archaeological interest and the whole of L'Ancresse Common is one of the island's 10 such sites.

Concerns were raised about an unprotected drop from above a German bunker, which was viewed as dangerous because the edge is covered by grass. It was mentioned by other attendees that there are many places where people could fall or trip on the Common. However, it was an area that will be looked at.

Parish issues
Other parish issues raised were about parking in areas that cause difficulties for other road users. Les Petils, which leads to the Bordeaux car park north of the harbour, has had cars parked consistently in recent times and is causing problems with blind spots to those exiting on to the main road.

Also Rue de L’Epine, just off La Rochelle Road, was said to be getting more cars parked there than in recent times. This is a similar problem to that in Les Sept Étoiles, which was raised at last month's surgery. Parishioners noted that the sign saying it is a Ruette Tranquille has gone. A positive outcome was mentioned in that the parking helps to calm traffic speeds.

The idea of resident only roads was raised for the small lanes in the parish but wasn’t generally supported.

Concern was raised about the difficulties in crossing the road outside the Puffin and Oyster at Le Route du Picquerel and it was asked if the Douzaine would support the idea of a zebra crossing being installed. There are bus stops on both sides of the road and residents and beach users are have difficulty safely crossing the road given the increased large vehicle traffic caused by the works being carried out at Chouet.

• The forthcoming Vale parish meeting will be held at 7.30pm on 4 November and provides parishioners with an opportunity to raise topics under any other business. More details here.