Petition wants end to £2.5m town 'vanity project'

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition demanding St Helier's £2.5m town centre pedestrianisation project is stopped.

Jackie Hilton-Egre's petition says the Government of Jersey's plans to close off roads around Broad Street - to make them more friendly to pedestrians - is a "vanity project".

The petition started by the former States deputy had received 1,041 signatures by Monday afternoon, meaning it will require a response from ministers.

Constable Andy Jehan, the Infrastructure Minister, said he recognised the concerns raised in the petition but wanted to reassure islanders any investment would be "carefully considered to deliver long-term benefits".

The plans include resurfacing Broad Street to make the road and pavements all one level and pedestrianising Library Place and Church Street, while still allowing access for buses and taxis.

The scheme's aim was to create a continuous linked route for people through the town to be known as La Grande Rue, the Department for Infrastructure and Environment added.

Ms Hilton-Egre said she felt the project's budget should be given to charities or spent on renovating the Havre des Pas swimming pool.

She added the loss of disabled parking spaces in Broad Street in June 2020 had also been detrimental.

"I believe this is wrong on so many counts not least the £2.5m could be better spent on other much needed projects," Ms Hilton-Egre said.

"I believe the time is right to lodge this petition, in order to give the public of Jersey an opportunity of registering their disapproval of this vanity project."

Jehan said investment in St Helier was essential to ensure the town remained a "vibrant, accessible, and attractive place" for islanders, businesses and visitors.

He added the government was committed to making St Helier a better place to live, work and visit and the Broad Street plans were part of that.

"Improving our public spaces supports economic growth, enhances the environment, and encourages active travel," he said.

"I recognise the concerns raised in the petition and want to reassure islanders that any investment in our town's infrastructure is carefully considered to deliver long-term benefits."

Jehan said he would respond fully to the petition in due course.

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