GE moves to permanently close road that splits the power station site

Thursday 10 August 2023

Guernsey Electricity says that permanently closing a road which runs through the power station site will help protect critical infrastructure.

The Hougue Jehannet has been closed to the public on a “temporary” basis since March 2020.

“We’re working with the Constables and Douzeniers of the Parish of Vale to apply to the Royal Court of Guernsey for the Hougue Jehannet Road to be permanently closed,” said Sharon Watchorn, Head of Business Planning at Guernsey Electricity.

Pictured: Hougue Jehannet from North Quay.

"The road runs through two sections of the Vale power station site which is considered critical national infrastructure and has already been closed to the public since March 2020.”

Local businesses have continued to have access through the road where prior notification has been provided to Guernsey Electricity.

“Permanently closing Hougue Jehannet Road will significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access to the site which forms part of the island’s critical national infrastructure."

Pictured: Advice for walkers. Guernsey Electricity has allowed access for businesses on request.

“We continue to consult relevant parties including States departments as part of the application process for closure of the road.

“We are also actively engaging with local businesses and residents, and we will shortly be contacting all in the local area to invite them to a public information evening at Vale Douzaine at 6pm on 23rd August.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the session and hear more about the rationale for the proposed permanent road closure. 

Pictured: Barriers prevent access down from the north end of Hougue Jehannet.

Guernsey Electricity staff will be available to discuss any further questions attendees may have.

Vale senior constable Richard Leale said he was pleased that Guernsey Electricity was finally proposing some definitive action because the "temporary" closure had been in place for a number of years and several States committees had apparently declined to take matters forward.

Guernsey Electricity Ltd has finally decided it wants to make permanent the temporary closure of the road at the back of the Power Station and has announced the first of two public meetings to explain why. Date, venue and more details here:https://t.co/KQ7SICDZsJ pic.twitter.com/B0uqowIJS3

— Vale Parish (@ValeParish) August 8, 2023

"We've been told as a douzaine that the closure is required on grounds of security – but not terrorist-related – and look forward to the Hearts and Minds meeting when we expect more detail on those reasons and an explanation why security can't be improved without total closure or at least retaining foot and bicycle access.

"I hope people take the opportunity to attend as this matter is now coming to a decision point."

Pictured top: Hougue Jehannet from Summerfield Road.