‘NUMEROUS concerns’ about the Havre des Pas lido remain unaddressed, St Helier’s Constable has said, after an Islander wrote to the JEP complaining about the bathing pool’s ‘sadly neglected’ and ‘potentially dangerous’ state.
Rob Spriggs referred to the ‘thick, green weed’ on pool steps which he said made entering the popular bathing spot – recently recognised as ‘one of the most beautiful saltwater pools in the world’ by architect Chris Romer-Lee – dangerous for swimmers and lifeguards.
He further described the toddler pool as a ‘disgrace’.
Mr Spriggs proposed cleaning operations to ‘effectively and cheaply remove the hazardous weed’, adding: ‘It is imperative that something is done to avoid a nasty accident.’
He asked: ‘Have risk assessments been carried out on the pool in its current state?
‘Surely any public facility that is beneficial to people’s health and wellbeing is worth investing in by the States of Jersey?’
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said that the condition of the pool was discussed at every Havre des Pas Improvement Group meeting, which fall on the second Thursday of every month.
‘There are numerous concerns, not just about safety but also about toilets being closed at odd times. We discuss a whole host of issues,’ he said.
His proposition to establish a steering group to manage and maintain the pool – a move which was unanimously backed by States Members in 2022 – remains outstanding.
Mr Crowcroft said that Deputy Tom Binet, the current Infrastructure Minister, had many projects, including the development of a new hospital, within his remit but that he was ‘taking steps’ to improve both the lido and wider Havre des Pas area.
He added: ‘As far as health and safety of the pool goes, I would be surprised if it was unsafe, because I know that government inspectors are often down there, but I would certainly like to see it pressure-washed more often. Just going in there can be hazardous and I have slipped myself. It is frustrating that the steering group hasn’t yet been set up, and I’ve certainly been asking for it to happen.
‘There are persistent problems around cleaning, toilet provision, lighting, issues which affect year-round swimmers, something which a great number of people want to do and which they should be able to do safely and conveniently.’
Ana Calvani, who leases the pool from the landlord – the Government of Jersey – along with her husband, Marcus Calvani, said: ‘We certainly understand the concerns of the public and match them with our concerns over the lack of maintenance on the exterior of the facility and in the pool area.
‘We have on numerous occasions notified the landlord of the dangers and issues the public has experienced over the years, and we have been attempting to work collaboratively with many stakeholders to find a better solution for the future of the exterior of the facility.
‘We are optimistic that a far better solution will be formalised very soon and we will start to be able to see great progress in making this iconic and inimitable coastal asset a real gem of St Helier, as it deserves to be.’
