“Not listening to Joe Public”

Tuesday 06 January 2015

The campaigner behind the backlash against the Ports Galots development is unconvinced about a ministerial promise to review the scheme.

Transport Minister Eddie Noel says that the plans to create new homes and a maritime facility at the harbour – which have prompted a huge response to the Planning department – are going to be reviewed by the project team.

But the woman behind the campaign to stop the proposals, Vicky Boarder of the Fresh Fish Company, says that she’s not convinced that anyone is really listening.

She said: “They are going to dress it up and make it look like they are listening to Joe Public but I’m not convinced that they are.

“I think that the whole thing needs to be taken to scrutiny.

“No one tells us anything, no one replies to our emails. There is absolutely no point in asking me what the powers-that-be think, because no one communicates.”

Deputy Noel’s announcement of a review follows concerns raised by the Fire Service that the placement of new homes is too close to the fuel farm.

Mrs Boarder says that the scheme should be scrapped, and the facilities should be moved up to Fort Regent, where money has already been allocated to remove the derelict swimming pool and replace it with a community facility.

She said: “I think that the idea of residential units should be completely scrapped. It’s ridiculous. Had they consulted correctly in the first place with people like the Fire Service, then they would not already have spent God knows how much money.

“The Budget for 2015 includes money for the demolition of Fort Regent swimming pool, for a community facility

“Wouldn’t that be a perfect place? If it’s in the Budget, they’re doing it anyway.”