And it has emerged that the States at one point was considering running the stream into a concrete pipe and asphalting it over for safety reasons.
The move is being proposed to allow cyclists to use the path safely. They are currently banned from using it. A planning application is being submitted.
Education, Sport & Culture is making the move to pursue one of the conditions set by the Development & Planning Authority for the post-16 new build, which set out that there needed to be a detailed scheme for improving accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists to the site via the Water Lanes.
That led to ESC carrying out a consultation with various bodies, including Environment Guernsey, the parish constables, States Housing and Traffic & Highway Services.
Originally an idea was put forward to install a concrete culvert to be covered by asphalt through the Water Lanes, which would have completely covered the douit.
‘However, Education has worked closely with Environment Guernsey to find a solution to ensure the open stream is broadly retained, thus having less impact on the environment of the douit and responding positively to an ecological survey that was carried out,’ said a committee spokeswoman.
The new idea is for a grid plate system to be installed over about a quarter of the open douit in the narrowest stretch of the lanes between La Couture and Les Ozouets Road.
‘This solution enables some natural light to still reach the stream and much of the associated wildlife would likely be retained. The covered section would also remain passable for a wider range of faunal species.’
Up to three more streetlights would also be installed to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists at night.
Andy Green regularly walks the Water Lanes with his dog and said he found out about the plans only when he bumped into two parish douzeniers.
‘I am disappointed but not very surprised that this plan has been kept so quiet until it was finalised, a bit like the diving board fiasco,’ he said.
‘This will mean the total loss of a beautiful and tranquil part of St Peter Port, which has long surprised visitors new to the area, just so a handful of cyclists can use it freely instead of the hundreds of dog walkers and pedestrians who currently do so in safety. Can’t post-16 cyclists use the roads?’
‘They will everywhere else so why shield them from reality at the cost of one of the only remaining tranquil lanes in St Peter Port?
‘It would be such a shame if this beautifully quiet area was lost forever.’
The Water Lanes are being promoted for two-wheeled access to Les Ozouets because of concerns about the safety of Collings Road, which is narrow and busy and often has large vehicles mounting the footpath.
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