But the Deputy has pledged to arrange for ‘research’ to be carried out into public views on the closure, which has been met with fierce criticism from some town retailers.
The minister made the comments after a petition calling for the road, which has been temporarily closed since May to allow better physical distancing in town, was signed by more than 1,000 people, triggering a ministerial response.
As of yesterday, 1,392 people had signed the petition started by Islander Julie Chandlen, who says the closure is hindering access to shops at Charing Cross.
Last week the Chamber of Commerce also called for the road to be reopened immediately, claiming that the most senior medical officer in Jersey and the Health Minister had not recommended its closure.
Now, in his formal response to the petition, Deputy Lewis said he had received health advice which supported the ongoing closure.
And he sought to quash rumours that he was planning to close the road permanently without any consultation.
‘Ministers have received advice from the medical officer of health and been asked to support infrastructure measures to help pedestrians in the town centre to adhere to current guidance and maintain at least one-metre physical distancing, with two metres wherever possible,’ his response says.
‘We have also been advised that over the coming weeks and months, there is a potential for escalating Covid-19 challenges for the Island. ‘These may require the more stringent application of physical distancing measures if we are to maintain as much as possible of our normal ways of life, including visiting the town centre.
‘Therefore, as I previously stated, Broad Street has been closed to support physical distancing, by creating additional street space, as this is one of the busiest areas, and to reduce crowding pressure on the formal crossing points and provide an alternative walking route.
‘It is accepted that while not everyone will avail themselves of this opportunity, some sections of the community are more sensitive to the requirement to physical-distance than others and this is an important measure to give confidence to their use of town.
‘Beyond this further work is being undertaken to see if increased disabled parking can be offered temporarily nearby.’
He added that the closure would be ‘kept under review’ and said: ‘To better understand the public’s attitudes to the benefits of closing this road for physical distancing during the pandemic, I have asked my department to arrange for some research into Islanders’ views.’
The Deputy said that there had not been enough time to hold a full consultation before the road was closed in the spring, but pledged to launch a full and fair consultation process that sought to balance views and needs of all stakeholders if proposals were lodged to shut it permanently.
