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13th January 2008 PDF Print E-mail
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC MEETING HELD AT ST BRELADES PARISH HALL ON SUNDAY THE 13TH JANUARY 2008 at 7.00 PM

Robert Jones thanked all those present and explained the reason for calling this public meeting and was asked why it was thought to be necessary at this moment in time.

The reply was that the letter sent out and delivered by hand to some, but certainly not all,residents of St Aubin, inviting people to attend a "Forum on the Future of 8t Aubins" had caused concern and raised the question of re-clamation of land for parking once again. One resident said that she had heard about the "forum" but had assumed it only applied to traders.

It was put forward that the point of the forum was to put together recommendations that would be taken to the States as a clear message of what the residents of St Aubin wanted for the future. It was also mentioned that the Traders Association had tried to pressgang members of their staff to join the forum. MHP mentioned that although the forum related to important issues surrounding St Aubin, only 8 residents would be allocated a space. She also mentioned the SF proposal re land reclamation that was submitted to the States in 2006.

In order to form the St Aubins Resident Assoc it was necessary to appoint the various members to speak on its behalf. There were questions surrounding the background of the people invoived.

The members were appointed as follows-:

Chair - Robert Jones

Vice Chair - Margi Holland Prior

Secretary - Gill Jones Assistant Secretary - Annie Mallett Treasurer - Vijay Khaliha

Sue Kowzan, Natasha Stone, Peter Durham-Waite, Murray Norton, Gordon Fitzjohn, Chris Tomkins.

The anti-reclamation committee was formed following on from the meeting caiied by Ben Shenton in Nov 2006 and has been networking with Jersey Heritage etc however it is thought that there was now strong feeling in the Parish that commercial bodies wanted more car parking

MN spoke as a member of the Traders Association and said that it does not speak with one voice. He said that it was made up of 5/6 people and it did not include all traders. He mentioned that the TA always invited the Connetable and Deputy to their meetings and that this may be advisable for future meetings of the St Aubins Assoc.

fvlHP then asked how many of those present had been selected to attend the forum. 19 hands were raised ( 4 committee members) and it was then decided to have a meeting prior to the 25th to discuss. This was agreed to be held on the 21 st Jan at " Murrays" from 6.30 onwards.

RJ then opened the floor for discussion. rvlany people stated that there was a " perceived " park~ ing problem but that if you go to 8t Helier you do not expect to park right outside the shop! restaurant you are visiting. MN was asked, as a restaurant owner, if there was a particular time when parking was bad and he replied that the only time there was a major problem was in the month of August. And then there are buses and taxis to assist.

The subject of taxis parking on the land-slide and the covenant relating to tllat land was then men~ tioned. There have been suggestions in the past to build a srnall multi-story on this plot and that the covenant should be investigated in full before dismissing this. It was also mentioned that the Connetabie and Deputy had been offered land to be used as a parking area by a. local family and their offer had not been taken up. This was around 18months >2 years ago which was the same time as the SF reclamation proposal. A member of the relevant family was present and confirmed the facts of this offer.

The planning application for the High Street area near La Tour Hotel was also mentioned.

It was then put forward by Mrs Lissenden that she had spoken to Senator Cohen who had assured her and the people present that it is not his intention that land dug out from the Waterfront comes to St Aubin unless it is on the wheels of cars passing through. She then went on to say that she thought Maurice Dubras would facilitate the forum in a fair manner.

It was stated that before any major projects could take place there should be a land audit. There has, supposedly, been a traffic survey carried out by Deputy SF but is this unbiased?

It was also mentioned that there were at least 6 small sites where correct planning could result in extra parking and that the threat of haVing to pay for parking on the quay had already resulted in a number of cars moving away. Correct policing of parking / residents parking/ permits for boat owners parking. MN mentioned that he had spoken to the Connetable and had been surprised to learn that he was looking into finding alternative parking solutions.

The tunnel at the mouth of the railway walk and chevron style parking was also put forward.

The proposed rebuilding of the north pier was mentioned and it was thought that this would result in more parking if it went ahead. The lack of space for the lifting out of boats was also pointed out.

AM brought up the subject of the proposal for making the Bulwarks pedestrian or at least one way. There were various comments concerning the speed of traffic coming down the hill from Noirmont which would be made worse if the road was one way. Speed bumps and speed limits were put forward. Mont les Vaux has a speeding problem and where residents rent parking spaces in the church, they often find they are taken by other cars. It was suggested that Mont Les Vaux should be made to feel more a part of the village and perhaps a 15 mph limit throughout the area may help. Much larger signposts for the speed limits already set are also requested.

MN mentioned that there are 19 eating establishments in the area which bring in commerce but also result in there being an element of vandals/damage to cars/property and noise. Especially on a Friday/Saturday/Bank holiday time, it is thought that we could do with a lot more police presence. This is a man-power issue and it was suggested that CTV cameras in the main area may deter.

Walking in St Aubins area is also becoming dangerous. Cyclists riding on the railway walk and continuing to ride along the pavement have caused accidents.

Recycling facilities were mentioned and it is thought that this will be discussed at the forum. It would however be very well received if there were some set up.

Finally, it was asked how future meetings of the St Aubin Assoc would be held and how would people be able to put forward their views. A web site is being looked into, La Baguette was mentioned and generally post and hand deliveries. It was asked how St Aubins was to be defined and if membership was to be restricted. Data protection was queried and this was, along with the rules, constitution and registration of the association will be dealt with now the Association has been seen to be formed. A subscription fee was mentioned and after discussion it was agreed at £5 p.a. per household.

The Meeting then terminated at 8.15. with thanks to all those who took the time and effort to attend.