During States question time, Deputy Montfort Tadier and St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft asked Ports of Jersey’s shareholder representative, Treasury Minister Susie Pinel, why an electric clock could not be installed within the contraption’s current mechanism, at minimal expense.
Deputy Pinel said that previously proposed schemes aimed at refurbishing the clock had proven too costly and unviable, but added that she would go to Ports with the States Members’ proposals.
‘Why can she not persuade Ports of Jersey to simply fix an electric clock so that the clock on the Steam Clock, instead of being correct four times a day, will actually be correct all the time at minimal expense,’ Mr Crowcroft said.
‘Does the minister agree that the Steam Clock site is an important open space which is at a premium and not only because of the recreational space but because of how it also provides a visual amenity from the Weighbridge.’
In response, Deputy Pinel said that she would ask Ports of Jersey about the idea and agreed that the site was a valuable area – one which had once been considered as a location for a ‘national gallery’.
Later, Deputy Tadier discussed the wider plans to redevelop the Steam Clock and La Folie sites and Ports of Jersey’s capability to redevelop them.
He said: ‘Does the minister believe that Ports of Jersey have the bandwidth, ie the capability and resources, to fully develop La Folie Inn when they cannot even fix the two faces of the Steam Clock. Do they need help with that and when can we get involved? he asked.
‘I am very keen, from a cultural perspective, and I am sure other Islanders are as well, to make sure the assets they have got, at a time when we need to encourage tourism and investment into that part of St Helier, are looked after.’
