Grand Bouet closure extended after work hits problems

The St Peter Port road has been closed since the start of September to allow Guernsey Water to undertake sewer lining work. It had been due to reopen next Friday. [4/10]

But now the utility has pushed that date back to Monday 14 October.

Guernsey Water's general manager Steve Langlois said they were keen to get the road open again.

'Despite allowances within our original closure dates, unfortunately we now need more time to complete the works,' he said.

'This follows technical difficulties with the robotic equipment that is used for this kind of 'no dig' technique and damage to one of the sewer liners when it was heated during the final stage of its installation.'

Since the first liner had been damaged, two additional sections had been installed successfully, and that approximately 20km of sewer had been lined on the island previously with the same product.

'Given all the lining work done previously in Guernsey, this is unusual,' Mr Langlois said.

'Nevertheless, we appreciate that this is far from ideal for those affected by the closure. We made allowances for some delay in our planning, but in addition to the problem with the liner and the technical difficulties we experienced, the weather has compounded the situation as due to the recent heavy rain, high flows in the sewer network have further limited our progress.'

'We are sorry for the extended disruption and continue to work with businesses and people that live in the area to minimise the impact on those most affected.'

Pet shop Creature Comforts has been disrupted in the past by the closures.

Owner Michelle Boates said they were quieter than usual, but their business had not been as hard hit as previously.

'It's very frustrating, as there has been nothing there for the last week due to the unforeseen problems,' she said.

'As for them [Guernsey Water] it must be frustrating for them too. On the plus side the [diversion] signage has been amazing. Our problem is that the surrounding area gets so busy, but this time it has not been so hard.'

Vehicles are currently being diverted along Le Bouet, Elizabeth Avenue and Les Banques. Access to Creature Comforts is from the traffic lights.