Campaigner delighted by Port Galots U-turn

Tuesday 13 January 2015

The fishmonger who campaigned tirelessly to stop a controversial marine development being built on her doorstep says it felt like “a victory for common sense” when she heard that the application had been pulled and is testimony to the strength of public feeling.

Thousands joined Vicky Boarder of the Fresh Fish Company to petition against the plans for Port Galots.

The scheme, which was supported by the Government, would have used the land in between South Pier and Victoria Pier but the Planning department were overwhelmed by the record number of letters of objection and on Friday evening the Transport Minister announced the application to build community facilities and flats on the site had been withdrawn.

Vicky said: "I feel like it’s a victory for common sense, I really hope that something can be learnt from this, it causes so much upset to so many people. I hope we can look back and think that we can learn something from this.

“If the future is for public private partnerships – I’d like to see more transparency, more protocol, this entire scheme was a bit of mess, you can’t tread on people’s lives like that. You can’t use unspoilt land when there are places screaming out for re-development.”

Deputy Eddie Noel says the project team are now going back to the drawing board to find a new home for the Sea Cadets who have been waiting for the last 20 years for a new base.

Vicky and her brother had a meeting with the Chief Minister on Friday. She said Senator Gorst assured them that their new home would not be on this site and he was hoping to look to La Folie as a more suitable site.

Vicky said: “Everyone including us is anxious to see that something is done to find a home for the sea cadets.”