Queen's Valley: Do those protesters feel the same way today?

From Glen Donaldson.

I WALKED round Queen’s Valley Reservoir last Sunday and on seeing the incredibly low level of the water reserves, several thoughts came to mind.

In Grouville – The History of a Country Parish, it records the initial report of May 1976 regarding the desirability of flooding Queen’s Valley.

Later, it reported that on Sunday 23rd May, 1976, 2000 people walked the length of the valley in protest. In October of that year, Senator John Averty took a petition signed by 6,000 to the States asking for a public inquiry.

About this time, my late wife and I motored the length of Queen’s Valley on two occasions, and later walked the length in each direction. We appreciated the tranquillity and beauty of the valley, but we did not encounter any other pedestrians or motorists on either occasion. In 1985, a second protest march was led by Dr David Bellamy, accompanied by 12,000 people. One wonders how many of these protesters visited the valley before flooding became an issue.

Now the walkways around the reservoir have become popular with the general public, fishermen, junior school cross-country runs, etc., and have also provided sites of remembrance for lost loved ones.

If the petitioners and lobbyists had had their way, what sort of crisis would now have to be dealt with?

I suggest that anyone asked to sign a petition or join a protest march should look to the future and carefully consider all implications before letting their heart rule their head.