L'Ancresse Common in disgraceful state
FOR THE last two years I have made my thoughts known about the condition of L'Ancresse Common. This will be my last comment, as like many other writers to your column, we are hitting our heads against a brick wall. I for one like to keep our island neat and tidy, but when you are confronted with committees like the Commons Council and the Environment there is not much chance of you getting anywhere. Last year, I made my thoughts known to George Domaille and he did his best to rectify my complaint. This year, now that we have a new committee, things have gone from bad to worse. Having phoned the Environment Department twice to ask when they are going to cut the paths, as they are 5ft high, and crossing the path. To date nothing has been done. I have phoned two deputies, they haven't done much. I with others have complained so much that we are fed up.
The golf club has upped their fees to the council. Where are they spending the extra money? Another point is that there are no fire-breaks cut. At least Mr Domaille made sure the common looks nice and tidy. As it stands it's a disgrace.
As I said let them complain. I have had enough. I have done my share to keep the powers informed but no more.
J. WILSON,
Rue du Passeur,
Vale.
Editor's footnote: Peter Blake, president, Vale Commons Council replies:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reply to the letter written to you concerning the Vale Commons.
I am happy to confirm that within two days of the matters complained of being made known to me, those paths, the subject of your writer's concern, were cut and, in one case, low-lying branches of trees were also removed.
In the case of those paths which are the responsibility of the States of Guernsey, these were referred by the council to the appropriate officer for early attention.
With respect to the cutting of fire-breaks, I can also confirm that those adjacent to property have been, or are now being, cut while the remainder are the subject of detailed review by the council and its environmental advisors, to establish an appropriate regime of care, now that the council is, at least, in receipt of funds to permit this work to be fully addressed. However, and by way of information, I make the point that, where possible, the cutting of fire-breaks is best left until September, when nesting has finished.
While it would be fair to say that there has been a short period during the changeover of the presidency of the Vale Commons Council from George Domaille to myself, the council has needed a little time to reorganise the way in which some tasks are managed; that has now largely taken place.
By way of example, a much more permanent reinstatement and grading of a car park adjacent to Fort Le Marchant has now been undertaken. This is being monitored to see whether the greater expense has resulted in a more robust finish and the extent to which this type of work should be rolled out to other car parks on the commons over time.
I would also mention that a new and vibrant organisation, The Friends of the Commons, has come into being, and is already making a valuable contribution to the commons. Membership is inexpensive and open to all.
It will take time to overcome the many years where an absence of funds severely restricted the council's ability to look after the commons as we would all wish. Nevertheless, I can assure your readers that work to rectify this is in hand, and will go forward in conjunction with the various authorities, the managers of the golf course at L'Ancresse and those providing the Commons Council with specialist advice, both environmental and historical.
