Gov poised to intervene amid questions over liability for Rouge Bouillon wall repairs

THE government could be in a position to intervene within days over a dangerous retaining wall in Rouge Bouillon, as traffic restrictions continue on the busy commuter route.

A dangerous building notice issued by Infrastructure and Environment gave the owners of Ashton Villa and Channel Mews, at 106 and 108 Rouge Bouillon respectively, four weeks from Friday 29 May to carry out remedial works to stabilise roadside retaining walls deemed at risk of collapse onto the public footpath and road.

The notice, which expires on Friday 26 June, requires the property owners to arrange road closures and undertake works to make the structure safe before the road and footpath can fully reopen. It warns that failure to comply could result in prosecution under the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002.

Temporary traffic lights, a westbound lane closure and a footpath closure remain in place, causing delays on the St Helier road.

The Infrastructure and Environment confirmed that the dangerous-building notice was issued due to a “small unstable roadside retaining wall on private property, which is at risk of collapse onto the public footpath and road”.

Temporary traffic lights and a single lane closure are in place, with one side of the footpath also closed.

“We will reopen the road and footpath in full once the structure has been made safe,” a spokesperson from the department said.

St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner said Islanders had repeatedly raised concerns about the disruption and the apparent lack of visible progress.

“Because the wall is on private property, the process involves the property owner, their insurers, contractors, and the relevant Government of Jersey departments working with the property owner,” she explained.

“These matters can take time, especially where responsibility, access, insurance and the safest repair method need to be confirmed.”

Mrs Gardiner added: “While this is not within the Constable’s direct authority, I will continue to seek updates, ask questions on behalf of parishioners, and ensure the Parish provides any support it can to help the situation progress as quickly as possible.”