Benches removed from Church Square as douzaine seeks alcohol ban

Monday 09 August 2021

The St Peter Port Douzaine is working with Law Enforcement to tackle anti-social behaviour in Town, after concerned members of the public reported feeling “intimidated” in Church Square.

Benches outside the Town Church have been removed temporarily and the douzaine is looking to make the area an alcohol-free zone.

“The majority of the time the groups who congregate there [around the benches] are fine, but 10% are not and it is just not acceptable,” said St Peter Port Constable Zoe Lihou.

It’s not just verbal abuse and loitering that seems to be a problem. Public urination, littering and cycling in pedestrianised areas have become more common as well. 

“Litter, cigarette butts, and chewing gum are also on the radar,” said Ms Lihou. “And lately I stand more risk of being hit by a pushang in the High Street than being run over anywhere else. People do not appreciate it's a pedestrianised area.”

Pictured: “We are working with community police officers and taking advice from law enforcement on how to tackle a range of anti-social behaviours in town,” said Ms Lihou.

Guernsey Police have been in contact with Sure to remove unused phone boxes in the Town Church area.

“This then stops people dropping behind the boxes and urinating in the States-owned property,” said Ms Lihou.

She said that parishioners have been citing all sorts of anti-social behaviour. “There’s lots to do and fix, one step at a time,” she said.

A spokesperson for Bailiwick Law Enforcement confirmed: "Guernsey Police have been working with all the parties involved with the Church Square.

"[This includes] the Church Wardens, the Parish, and the community who regularly use the area, in seeking to address the reported problems of anti-social behaviour."