‘People power’ sees plans for Water Lanes halted

The Guernsey Press revealed the plans last week, causing shock and anger among islanders, who have a soft spot for the narrow footpath in.

It sparked Mr Davison into action and led to hundreds signing his petition to stop the proposals.

The Guernsey Press broke the news to Mr Davison last night that the pressure on the stream had been relieved.

‘I just feel over the moon and so relieved,’ he said.

‘From the get go, I knew we would get a lot of support, but the level of support surprised me. And I am pleased they listened. This was people power.’

Education has said that plans for the metal grid over a part of the stream have been put on hold, after staff requested a six-month extension to a condition imposed by planning officers.

The initiative was a result of a planning condition placed on the Les Ozouets Campus at the time it received planning permission, which required improvements for pedestrian and cyclist accessibility between La Couture and Les Ozouets, including via the Water Lanes.

Plans had to be submitted within six months of work starting on the site.

However, following a strong public reaction to the idea, officers are now working with Planning Services to secure an additional six months to allow a review of other ways to satisfy the planning requirements. Education president Paul Montague said the six-month extension would allow alternative options to be looked at, and discussions to take place about the planning requirement itself.

‘We will still have to review ways that we can improve active travel routes to Les Ozouets, and it may be the case that we need to return to this idea if there is no alternative, but we will be sure to engage with the public about those options,’ he said.

‘I’ve been very grateful for the constructive discussions that have already taken place.’