The shows must go on – even with the road closed

Les Ozouets Road from Skins Lane to the filter at Collings Road closed on 17 August for 14 weeks, while Guernsey Electricity carries out essential works. This has left access to the PRCPA solely from the Footes Lane end, but campus co-manager Russ Kellaway said that despite initial issues – coinciding with the Ozouets site's current major construction work – the closure has not affected attendances.

‘Our message is always to allow time before a performance,’ he said.

‘The bar is open an hour before, so come and have a drink beforehand. People have been great at continuing to support us, we haven’t seen numbers drop off. The National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera next week is pretty much sold out.’

He said people had listened and adapted to arriving early and parking effectively. The local centre continues to keep visitors updated with access to the site on its social media platforms. It wants to ensure that nobody misses a performance – including last week’s production of The Little Mermaid, which concluded with a matinee yesterday at 2pm.

Guernsey Electricity has so far completed replacements to streetlights, a pillar replacement, and alterations to the low voltage network, and is currently installing high and low voltage cable overlay. Its work is expected to be finished and road re-opened on Monday 15 December. Access to and from the PRCPA will remain from the Footes Lane junction throughout.

‘Works on Les Ozouets Road are progressing well with significant milestones already achieved,’ said a Guernsey Electricity spokesman

‘To ensure the efficient delivery of the next phase of infrastructure improvements in the area, Les Ozouets Road will remain closed until Monday 15 December as planned. This will facilitate essential works at Skins Lane and the Collings Road junction, which are due to commence from Wednesday 15 October. This approach has been carefully planned to avoid the need for reopening and subsequently reclosing Les Ozouets Road to minimise disruption and ensuring a more streamlined completion of the overall works.’

For some residents on Les Ozouets Road, the closure is just one of many that have led to an overall frustration with navigating the island.

‘It’s not good,’ said Andy Wade.

‘I mean you can’t go anywhere, it’s not just here. The question is “which roads are open?” not “which ones are closed?” It’s just ridiculous. It could be better thought out and planned, instead of closing every road on the island at once.’

Mr Wade’s neighbour, Jenny Glynn, agreed to the frustration, but said she understood the need. She added that the workers have been respectful, considerate and helpful.

‘It’s got to be done,’ she said.

‘The men have been pretty good to me, they move everything out the way whenever you need to get in and out. So I know it’s inconvenient, but I’m not going to complain.’