Politician hopes clock plans will pick up steam

Wednesday 09 September 2020

A local politician has decided the time is right to go full steam ahead with a plan to finally fix an iconic town clock by the New Year.

Deputy Montfort Tadier is asking Treasury Minister, Deputy Susie Pinel, to get Ports of Jersey to repair the St. Helier steam clock.

Set to be put before the States Assembly for a vote in October, his proposal reads: "The Steam Clock is a cultural asset. It stands near the entrance to our Waterfront, and it will be seen by thousands of islanders and tourists alike. It reminds us of Jersey’s important historical maritime links, as well as the way the sea still shapes us today."

It also sets a desired deadline for the repair of 31 December 2020.

Speaking about the reasons behind the proposal, Deputy Tadier explained to Express that whilst “it’s quite clear” that the clock has “fallen into disrepair”, he said his proposal points to wider issues in regards to the way the island treats its buildings and structures.

“There’s a bigger issue – the proposition itself is straightforward, but there’s a tendency in Jersey for things to be left to fall into disrepair, public or private, and then the owner says we better take it down and develop the area.”

Pictured: A proposal has been launched to repair the St Helier Steam Clock. 

He added that “we need to be honest about what’s going on in the area."

The Steam Clock has previously been the subject of debate with regards to the future of St. Helier - last year, the Government released plans for area, which included either developing or "enhancing" the site.