Select a region
Maire Tyrrell is a foster carer in Guernsey, helping to care for children alongside her own two sons.
She's a busy lady but she managed to find the time, during Foster Care Fortnight, to let us know what five things she'd change about Guernsey.
1. More Foster Carers
I would like to see enough Foster Carers to care for all the children and young people who can’t live with their own families.
Lots of children come into care in Guernsey for lots of reasons, and having a pool of foster carers to choose from rather than who is available would be a dream. I’ve been fostering for six years now and it has to be the most fulfilling and worthwhile thing I’ve ever done. It's hard work but really worthwhile.
2. Transport costs
I'd like better and more affordable transport links to and from Guernsey. Capped price flights would make so much difference to so many people who would love to get away once in a while.
3. Stop building in the north!
I wish they would stop building so many houses in the north of the island. Too many building projects are approved along with too many 'change of use' to allow more housing to be built in St Sampsons and the Vale.
That means there is more and more congestion in those parishes.
Pictured: File image of a development proposed in the Vale
4. Stop introducing new taxes!
I'd really like to see fewer increases and taxes in the island. Petrol is now reaching £1.40 a litre, which is much higher than it was a few years ago. The new waste charges and refuse tax and other increases are all adding to families' financial burdens.
The middle earner is being squeezed and it can't carry on indefinitely.
5. Repurpose the former Guernsey Bowl
Finally, I asked my children age eight and nine what would they change.
They’d like to see the compulsory purchase of The Bowl by the States who should in turn transform it into a giant water park with lots of slides and pools. A trampoline park could also be created along with a laser tag area if they have any money leftover!
For more information on fostering head to the website here.
There is a walk in aid of Foster Care Fortnight on Sunday 20 May. There is more information here.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.