Guernsey Press

Castel parish may have to step in to fix an unsafe wall

Castel parish might be forced to take action on an unsafe wall which has closed a road in the parish for the past 18 months.

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These granite stones at the Fairfield in Castel have been permanently positioned on its walls, after they were repeatedly struck by vehicles when positioned on the ground of the car park. (34099268)

The States has pushed for the householders of the manor house Les Touillets in Ruette des Touillets, near the Fairfield in Castel, to fix a bulging wall.

It has been supported by large concrete blocks placed in the road.

The matter was raised again by neighbours at a Castel parish meeting.

Senior constable Kelvin Hudson said that the parish was aware of discussions between the States and the landowner.

A proposal had been submitted to the landowner for further investigations to be carried out with a view to the reconstruction of the wall.

But if no progress was made it was likely to fall on the parish to intervene under a law, dating back to 1914, covering dangerous walls. Ultimately the parish could order the work to be carried out at the landowners’ expense.

The narrow lane, which is only 300 metres long, connects Rue Piette and Route de l’Eglise and had historically been a short cut for drivers avoiding the lights near Castel Church.

The ruette tranquille has now been blocked since the beginning of September 2023, with only pedestrians and cyclists able to pass the obstruction.

The parish was complimented on the work done on the Fairfield to keep it look neat, and it was also noted that granite naming stones on the site had been moved on to the wall.

Mr Hudson said for the period they had been laid on the ground, they had been repeatedly struck and damaged by vehicles.