Deputies must take responsibility for Albert Pier changes

On 2 March I received a letter from Environment informing me of a revised plan in regard of the Harbour's application for huge changes to be made to Albert Pier. This was because I had objected to the application to land passengers from cruise ships on new facilities on that pier. Deputies such as Dave Jones have been openly defied and embarrassed. He called for explanations to be put before the House, only to be told that a decision had been made.

The St Peter Port north and south deputies have said and done nothing openly against the destruction of 'their' parish, the Douzaine has done nothing, the Constables in answer to my query said, 'well, we have asked for an explanation and do not like some of the proposed changes'. On the phone-in on Sunday, Constable Le Moignan said that there had been no consultation with the Douzaine or the Constables. Why did they not ask for, no demand, consultation?

We do not have island wide voting, but it appears that once elected by their parish these deputies seem to abrogate any responsibility to that parish. In St Peter Port, even the parish deputies' meetings have been stopped. Never widely supported, and organized by Deputy Queripel for the first year, at least there was a window for comment by the few attendees. Now even that opportunity has ceased – maybe, cynically, it will start again soon as elections near.

What does retail need? People to shop. What do people need? Parking for their chosen mode of transport. Can a retailer, deprived of livelihood by the removal of parking by the States of Guernsey, sue the States of Guernsey? Will that retailer, now denied an income, automatically get good legal aid?

The new layout means that tenders from cruise liners will cross the mouths of the Fisherman's harbour and the Albert Marina. They will pass boats queuing to fuel up at Boatworks+ and visitors going into the Town marina. Deputy Paint will know how difficult that will be. Once ashore they will be able to go into an empty town. How many actually get off their boats? How much do they spend when here? Rough calculations have been given – no actual count. There is a reason retailers have not jumped to open on a Sunday when the cruise liners are in – could it be because these visitors do not spend money?

R. HENDERSON,

Ma Carriere, Le Petit Bouet,

St Peter Port, GY1 2AN.