Last summer the Guernsey Press broke the story that the States was looking at installing a grid plate system over part of the open douit between La Couture and Les Ozouets, an idea which developed from an idea to run the stream into a concrete pipe and asphalt over it.
It was proposed in a move to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists to safely use the path when travelling to a new post-16 campus at Les Ozouets.
The story did not go down well with islanders and a Facebook page and a petition to stop the installation of a metal grille were launched shortly after by the landlord of La Couture Inn.
It collected more than 1,000 signatures.
About a week after the initial story was published, Education, Sport & Culture’s newly-elected president Paul Montague announced a six-month pause to consider other options.
And today it has been confirmed that the plans to change the Water Lanes are now gone for good.
‘A fundamental part of working for our community is listening and engaging when they communicate passionately with us on issues they care about,' said Deputy Montague.
'And we heard loud and clear that they did not support the proposed changes to the Water Lanes.
A planning condition was implemented in February 2022 in plans for the redevelopment of Les Ozouets whereby pedestrians and cyclists should be routed away from Collings Road, where vehicles often mount the pavement.
A traffic impact assessment recommended instead that the stream in the Water Lanes should be covered to increase the existing width of the footpath.
At the request of ESC, alongside support from Environment & Infrastructure, the Planning Service has now removed that planning condition.
E&I has instead committed to undertaking a wider review of the infrastructure and traffic flows in the Collings Road area, including the Water Lanes.
Deputy Montague said as a committee, ESC supported the new direction E&I was taking.
‘While the safe travel of learners to and from the campus is incredibly important, I hope that this new approach will look at the area holistically, rather than the Water Lanes in isolation, for the benefit of all who use the area,’ he said.
E&I president Adrian Gabriel said the committee listened to the feedback regarding the proposed changes to the Water Lanes and was now considering longer-term solutions.
‘Traffic & Highway Services has worked closely with Education capital projects to explore alternatives that would avoid installing a grid over the stream, however, those options fall short of delivering the safety measures required to allow people to both walk and cycle safely through the narrower sections of the Water Lanes,’ he said.
‘We have concluded that we need a wider infrastructure review of the entire area.’
Deputy Gabriel said the review would need prioritisation with other competing projects and infrastructure improvements, and consultation responses highlighted that Collings Road presents difficulties for all road users.
‘The road is below the ideal width for two-way traffic, leading to vehicles mounting the pavement and creating hazards, while certain junctions pose visibility challenges that increase the risk of collision,’ he said.
‘While addressing these issues will be complex, we believe it is important to focus on resolving these underlying infrastructure constraints.
‘Exploring improvements as part of the committee’s broader road network enhancements offers a more sustainable, long-term solution.’
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