Almost 100 islanders gathered in the Royal Square this lunchtime to support a community takeover of the Havre des Pas Lido – despite the relevant debate being pushed back.
Staff from the venue were expected to attend along with members of community group Love Our Lido, who planned to be waiting in the Royal Square as politicians poured out of the States Assembly during their lunch break.
The protest was arranged after Love Our Lido was removed as the “preferred bidder” for the tender of the Havre des Pas site, and a lease was offered to commercial operator First Point instead.
Love Our Lido was created last year as a limited company, which was on track to become a charity if it managed to secure the lease and stable funding for the seaside venue.
States Members were today due to debate a proposition that, if successful, would have forced the States to offer a lease, along with £170,000 annual funding, to Love Our Lido. But to do so, Members would have needed to accept a shortened lodging period.
Politicians yesterday voted by 33-12 against allowing the debate to take place this week, with the matter now due to be included on the order paper for the sitting beginning on Tuesday 25 November.
GALLERY…
