With the Black Lives Matters solidarity protest planned to be held in town on Saturday 20 June, the Quay will be closed this weekend from 10:30 to allow the organisers to prepare for the event, which itself is being held between 12:00 and 13:00.

The Quay will remain pedestrianised after that, until 19:30 on Sunday evening.

Pictured: Church Square.

The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure has also agreed to again close Church Square to traffic from 10:00 on Saturday until 07:00 Monday morning. The Blue Badge accessible bays and the taxi rank will be temporarily relocated to The Albany (South Esplanade) and additional accessible parking will also be provided along the Quay on Saturday.

The Committee also agreed to make similar changes next weekend, the final weekend in June, with Church Square closed to traffic from 10:00 on Saturday 27 June until 07:00 on Monday 29 June, while The Quay will again be closed to motorists between 10:00-19:30 on Sunday 28 June.

The idea of pedestrianising the Quay is to allow some of the benefits that many people said they enjoyed during lockdown to continue, while using the seafront as a space for businesses to utilise and pedestrians to enjoy.

The Chamber of Commerce said feedback from its members has been supportive with some businesses welcoming the use of the seafront for family-style gatherings and enjoyment, and that feedback suggesting this should be prioritised in the coming weeks.

Steve Le Poidevin, the owner of Balthazar Bar and Restaurant, said his business would be among those offering al fresco dining. 

“It has been challenging times but we are grateful to the States for its support. Our customers have enjoyed being able to sit outside with views of our beautiful harbour and we hope they will continue to be able to enjoy this throughout the summer.”

Pictured top: The Town Quay.