Vazon beach is not clean
ABOUT 12-years-plus ago, Vazon beach had accumulated a lot of rubbish; much of it washed up onshore, combined with local litter of all kinds. Various members of the public – myself included – have since gradually and persistently removed rubbish from Vazon, resulting in the transformed status of being largely free of rubbish in more recent years. It has to be confirmed that beach cleans – including events such as that organised by the Clean Earth Trust on 18 February – are always welcome. Removing rubbish from our beaches is an essential process in preventing waste accumulation, and improving and maintaining them. I hope it accurate to express on behalf of everyone ‘thank you’ to those taking time to clean island beaches.
I do, however, wish to correct some unintentional misleads that appeared in the Guernsey Press article on Monday 20 February.
1. A statement was made referring to Vazon beach as clean. Whilst the bay may be free (clean) from litter, Vazon sadly sufferers from frequent dog urine and faecal contaminations, both harmful to the environment and humans.
2. The Guernsey Press article referred to the organised group meeting at the Richmond end. However, it was observed the meeting was at Les Dunes car park, behind Richmond Kiosk. Cleaning appeared to take place between Le Crocq at Richmond end all the way north to La Grande Mare outfall pipe.
Each year, as 1 May approaches, published reference is often made to ‘dogs are permitted at the Richmond end’. It is therefore important to make absolutely clear, the dog banned area under the 1992 Ordinance commences from the Richmond Kiosk/boat moorings alignment all the way around to Fort Hommet headland.
Dogs are therefore only permitted from Richmond Kiosk down to Le Crocq, at the Richmond end. Can we please ensure all dogs keep strictly to the rule, in order that everyone can trust exactly which areas are affected by contamination.
I hope the Guernsey government can soon catch up to the concept that all human beings should come first, admit we do deserve safe, clean and peaceful public spaces, then follow through by designating island beaches entirely free from dogs.
The very least that can be done before this most basic life necessity is provided is the robust and effective enforcement of all existing dog bans.
I and others have complained multiple times about the practice of dog waste and ban breaches on Vazon, for many years.
Please, States of Guernsey, stop making an easy job difficult. Protect and provide for all people today. Deliver something real and positive for islanders and visitors to be thankful.
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