Waterworks Valley residents verbally abused

Monday 10 August 2020

Some islanders living in Waterworks Valley have been left traumatised after being shouted at while driving to and from their homes since the area went car-free on Sundays.

This month, the main road is closed to motorists every Sunday between 9:00 and 18:00 to encourage pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy the valley peacefully. Residents are, however, allowed to access their properties.

But not everyone appears to be aware of this.

Valley resident Aneta Lemanowicz said she felt “shocked and shaken” last Sunday while driving a short way down the valley before leaving via one of its lanes. 

Pictured: One Waterworks Valley resident said she was left "shocked and shaken" by the abuse.

“I was driving very slowly because I obviously knew that the road was closed,” she said. “I met a cyclist coming in the opposite direction in the middle of the road. As he went past, he gave me the middle finger and shouted abuse at me. 

“I was so shocked and was shaking afterwards. He was so unbelievably rude that I felt anxious for some time afterwards.”

Another resident, Samantha O’Connor, said: “I have been shouted at twice. It is becoming a real issue because you don’t know if you’re going to face abuse when you leave or return to your home. I’m fully supportive of any initiative to encourage people to exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but hurling abuse is just unacceptable.”

Miss O’Connor added that she had never seen so many cars parked in the valley, as people fishing in the reservoirs were allowed to park in the road.

Pictured: All roads leading into the Valley are closed every Sunday this month, except for residents and those parking before going for a walk.

“I’m not sure it that was the intention, but the Sunday closing has turned parts of the road into a car park,” she said. “The valley is usually pretty quiet anyway so, personally, I don't think that the closure is really that necessary.”

The month-long trial was the brainchild of Chief Minister John Le Fondré, who lives in St Lawrence, partly to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Millennium footpath, which snakes its way through the valley.

Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis, said: “This trial at Waterworks Valley is intended to help cyclists and walkers enjoy the valley’s natural beauty. It is a pilot project, for five Sundays in August, that could be emulated in other parishes if it proves successful.

"Feedback so far has been positive, but I am sad to hear that residents are being verbally abused when driving along the valley to their homes. The road is not closed, but access is restricted to premises and parking. So people will be driving along the road to get to premises and to reach parking areas."

Pictured: Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis: "I am sad to hear that residents are being verbally abused."

He continued: “I hope everyone can share these beautiful green lanes amicably.

"If it is to become a regular part of Jersey life it is up to all road-users to share the space politely and with consideration for others.”

The Government has opened an online consultancy for Islanders to give their feedback on the pilot, which can be found HERE.