We are being squeezed out, claim Petit Bot regulars

Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services has applied to double the size of the concrete pad at the top of the beach next to the slipway to store kayaks on, for temporary change of use of two parking spaces to provide further storage for kayaks and a van, and to use the adjacent grassland for general operation.

Opponents say the area is too small to accommodate the increased activity and believe private users are being squeezed out.

They say people taking part in the activities are getting changed in other parking spaces, making them unusable.

Barry Robilliard, 67, who has lived in the area for 10 years, said he was not against kayaking in itself, but did not think that land which belonged to the people of Guernsey should be handed over to commercial bodies.

There are no shower facilities and the States has no money to spend on sea defences, he said.

Petit Bot Tearooms owner Ross Mansell said the area was too small to support this type of activity.

A woman who did not wish to be named said she had been unable to meet a friend at Petit Bot because there was nowhere to park.

A spokesman for ACLMS said the concrete pad next to the slipway was used for many years for the hire of whoopee floats and in that respect the application for temporary storage of kayaks was not dissimilar.

‘Both the beach and the grassland space are available to all visitors to change, whether as part of commercial parties or just enjoying the day at Petit Bot,’ he said.

‘There appears to be no reason why anyone should choose to change on the public highway or the parking spaces.’

An ACLMS spokesman said it was not aware of shower facilities other than at Vazon.

The application for use of selected car parking spaces at Petit Bot would manage the number which can be occupied by commercial operators.

ACLMS was endeavouring to achieve a balance at Petit Bot and it was important for locals and visitors to have a choice of recreation, especially as the island tries to attract more visitors.

‘Car parking provision at Petit Bot and at several other beaches has always been an issue during the summer season,’ the spokesman.

‘Given that many more people are enjoying kayaking, paddleboarding, wild swimming, coasteering and other activities, inevitably there will be times when people will not be able to find a space at Petit Bot or other beaches.

‘However, Guernsey’s wonderful coastline means that there are other beaches not too far away for people to visit and enjoy a day by the sea.’