ST Brelade will spend up to £300,000 on a new toilet block and drains at the Elephant Park after parishioners approved the project – despite criticism of the “horrendous” cost.
The scheme – £250,000 for the block and £50,000 for drains, on top of £55,000 already spent on earlier plans – was approved by 33 votes to five after a lively hour-and-a-half of debate at a Parish Hall meeting on Tuesday evening.
During the evening, many spoke passionately about the need to replace the existing block, which all agreed was in a poor state, but there was significant frustration over the price tag attached to the project.
Former Constable Steve Pallett, who is seeking a return to his seat in the June election, said: “I think the price is horrendous, but we have to get on with it; child welfare is absolutely vital.
“I came here to defer the decision to have more time, but I have been convinced that we have waited for too long. This process can never happen again.”
The issue has dragged on for years. A £500,000 scheme was rejected last year, prompting revised plans.
Park caretaker Edward Le Couteur said he regularly had to call out blocked drains, while mother Michelle Vibert described the toilets as “absolutely disgusting”. Nine-year-old Raphaelle drew applause, telling the assembly: “It is not fair for my friends who want to go to the toilet.”
Builder and owner of the neighbouring Off The Rails café suggested it could be done for less than £100,000.
But project manager Rupert Myers said four quotes had been obtained and reflected current market conditions, a view backed by Deputy Jonathan Renouf.
Constable Jackson said he was “pleased for the children of the parish” that work could now proceed.
As the parish already holds the funds, there will be no immediate rise in rates, though further investment will be needed to upgrade the wider park, the assembly was told.
