Businesses along St John’s Main Road – which will be closed in sections from next month until February 2027 – have expressed strong concerns that the lengthy roadworks will hit their bottom line.
The Government’s Infrastructure and Environment Department is overseeing an upgrade of the drains in the area to cope with new development, such as the affordable homes being currently built next to the former Sion Methodist Chapel.
Drop-in sessions are being held this week and next for people to find out more. The next one takes place on Thursday evening at Trinity Parish Hall between 17:00 and 18:30.
“We are about to enter our busiest period”
Some businesses have said that the proposed road closures need to be better planned.
Joe Baugh, who runs Hank Marvin at Rondels Farm Shop, said: “We had a meeting on Tuesday and I was told that both ends of the lane leading to the shop [Rue de Haut de L’Orme] would be shut to through-traffic, except buses, for at least six months and everyone will have to use the back lanes to get to us.
“I was also told that there will be no diversion signs in these lanes, and – unlike the Co-op or Waitrose – we won’t be included on any I&E signposts, because we’re not classed as a ‘landmark’ business.
“But we’re a thriving business and I don’t see why places like the Co-op, which is a relatively new arrival where it is – should get special treatment.”
He added: “At weekends, our lane has queues of cars waiting to come into the shop, yet they hope buses will use it too. I can’t see how that is going to work.
“I totally understand the need for the roadworks but their plan, as I currently understand it, will cause us to suffer massively. We are about to enter our busiest period, when we transform the café into ‘Chalet Hank’ – which is ski-themed, serving tartiflette and other alpine food.
“They just need to ensure that customers can get here safely and with the minimum of disruption. I’m not yet convinced that they have got it right.”
“Our big concern is that people will ignore the whole area”
Kasha Manby, manager of Autocare Service Centre at Sion, said: “We haven’t been told anything about the roadworks; we found out from next door. We are right at the top of the works so hopefully it won’t impact us too much.”
She continued: “I understand that it has to be done but our big concern is that people will ignore the whole area and go elsewhere. I am going to one of the public meetings this week to find out more.
“Despite everything happening, we will carry on as usual in supporting our valued customers. That will always be our focus.”
“It does not seem very fair”
Having traded at Sion for more than 30 years, Alan Bonny, who owns Bonny’s Country Garden, was able to take a long-term view.
He said: “The last time the road was closed, people used the lanes to get here without too much trouble. People can treat getting here as an orienteering exercise and a chance to discover the delights of lower Trinity, as long as they drive slowly.”
However, he added: “One thing that does hurt a bit is that the Government has not included our business on the publicity which has been sent out Island-wide. The Co-op and the garage are listed but we are not, despite being here for a long time.
“We see a lot of trade here, especially in the summer, and we also provide flowers for public buildings and businesses around the Island. I’ve been told we’re not listed because we are a private business, but other firms are listed. It does not seem very fair.”
Commenting on the proposed diversions, which have not been publicised yet, Trinity Constable Philip Le Sueur said that the parish had told I&E to rework their plan.
He said: “The Roads Committee and I had a meeting with I&E recently and the diversion route they were proposing just wasn’t practical: it would have sent people down Trinity Road, three-quarters of the way to St Helier then back through the lanes.
“They presented it to us almost as a done deal but – knowing these roads and knowing how it would impact people living along them – we convinced them to go away and have another look. We need common sense to prevail here.
“I recognise the importance of getting it right for businesses and by working together I’m sure we can find a compromise.”
I&E said it was continuing to liaise with businesses and was offered tailored support for individual firms with concerns.
Meanwhile, businesses in St Peter – which are currently impacted by diversions around the main parish centre – have stressed that they are open and easily accessible despite six months of roadworks and diversions on their doorstep.
Shaun Crowther of Coop Bikes said that some customers had called to ask if the shop was open and easy to get to.
He said: “The clear answer is yes, and there are many businesses in the area – including Coop Grande Marché, Morrisons, Yesss Electrical, The Tipsy and The George de Carteret, The Old Barn Cafe, Paws Pitstop, Classic Kennels, MR Carpets and Flooring, The Hire Shop, the Community Centre, Boots and M&S – which are all open as normal.”