ST Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft has appealed for Islanders to be patient while important repairs and improvementsare carried out on roads.
As the JEP reported on Tuesday, a number of business leaders have expressed their frustration at the potential impact of roadworks they fear could deter visitors to St Helier, adding to struggles faced by retailers and other businesses, as well as frustrating town residents.
JP Restaurants director Dominic Jones described the roadworks as “never ending”, while Jersey Chamber of Commerce chief executive Murray Norton said that ease of access into town amid the current challenging conditions was “imperative”.
A statement released by the Parish of St Helier acknowledged that it was aware of the combined impact on road users of works being undertaken by both the parish and the government, adding that it was “unfortunate” that a number of these had coincided, some relating to damage caused by Storm Ciarán.
“This is largely to avoid the busier summer months and the worst of the winter weather,” it added.
Mr Crowcroft said that while he understood the frustrations, it was important that the works were carried out.
“Many of the improvements are taking place directly in response to parishioners’ needs, and I am hopeful that, by late spring, Peter Street, Cleveland Road, Halkett Street, Seale Street, Charles Street and those being worked on by the government will all have been given the improvements they need,” he said.
