Whole area is a disgrace

As you can see from the letter below dated 5 June, I did write to St Peter Port Constable with concerns about this historic area of St Peter Port. Clearly nothing has been done to restore this historic and very beautiful part of Guernsey.

Today (10 October), I walked my dog up to Clarence Battery. The loose stone in the wall, which I had informed the constables about in June, has been 'shoved' back in. The weeds are still flourishing, as are the new sycamore saplings. The ivy is slowly crawling over the beautiful brick-topped walls on both the walkway/steps up to Clarence Battery and the enchanting walkway from the Val des Terres down to the Half Moon Cafe. Sadly, when one of these walls finally collapses under the strain of weeds and brambles, the pathway will probably be closed forever.

This area, including the bathing pools, is a complete wreck and an eyesore to visitors, of which I have seen many, especially from the cruise ships. This area should be well tended and regenerated to encourage tourism.

When we visit places like St Malo, it is wonderful to walk around the walls of this city, which are clean, well-looked-after elements of history. Strategically placed statues and other memorabilia of the maritime history, benches with the seats intact, manicured gardens and clipped grass… The place is buzzing.

When I walk along our promenade, I hang my head in shame if I spy a tourist and hope they don't stop me to ask questions.

CLAIRE BARBER,

Address withheld.

Date: 5 June 2014 10:59:29 BDT

To: constables@stppcons.com

Cc: enquiries@visitguernsey.com

Subject: Disgrace to tourism and the first impression of the island.

'Good morning. I have just enjoyed a walk with my dog (poo bag in hand and dog on lead) from the South Esplanade along La Vallette towards the Aquarium, up the steps to Clarence Battery and then along the cliff path below Fort George, down to the Half Moon and back to the car at the end of the South Esplanade.

I was most upset to see the poor upkeep and maintenance of the grounds. Weeds everywhere, tampons strewn in the upper pedestrian walkway, beautiful historic parts of the island falling into disrepair – get the picture. The bathing pools still in a state of disrepair after the storms, granite blocks falling out of the wall half way up the steps towards Clarence Battery (I have reported this to the Environment Dept).

Along the cliff path, there are a few viewing areas with benches, now completely overgrown, benches broken and the beautiful view obliterated by the prolific sycamore trees (a curse to all the views around this area, especially from the Belevedere Field viewing platform.) This is 'Guernsey' – perhaps I should take some photos and put them on the Visit Guernsey website on the 'pin.it' section.

There were several tourists from the cruise ship. I did speak to two couples walking along the same route enjoying the views and the sunshine, many walking up to Clarence Battery to admire the panorama of the islands, the grass often strewn with litter from drunken youth, the signs now faded and illegible and no dog poo bin apart from on the grass. What a terrible and embarrassing shame. It is such a poor advertisement for Guernsey.

What a pity the States and deputies alike do not focus on these naturally beautiful and historical areas, especially those in walking distance of Town, and preserve these for the future before it is too late.

PS. What on earth are those awful bollards on the pavement between the Tourist Information Office and the Weighbridge? What a waste of money – they look like a last-minute idea and an accident waiting to happen.

Yours sincerely, Claire Barber.'