A NEW tent next to the Markets has been branded ‘appalling’. Avant Garden has secured a new home in a 1,700sq.-ft marquee on the plaza site ready for bank holiday Monday.
But St Peter Port senior constable Jenny Tasker said: ‘As far as I’m concerned, that is quite unnecessary.
‘There are times when marquees can provide a useful indoor area for events such as they had on Liberation Day and perhaps for other special events, but to have them up for just two months is ruining the facade of the building and is not a good sight at all.
‘The only benefits they have is taking away the metal railings.
‘I think people will be horrified to know this will be there for that time.
‘The terrace is a lovely area and to have it covered up like this is appalling.’
But for owner Nick Martel, the chance to trade there is the best news he has had since his retail warehouse at Valnord Hill was destroyed by fire in May last year.
‘It’s a temporary home for a couple of months. It’s a year since the fire and in that time I have had quite a life-changing year,’ he said.
‘It’s been easily the hardest year of my life and it may turn the process of my hair turning grey a little.’
But Mrs Tasker is not alone in being unhappy about the temporary arrangement.
‘I’m disappointed that we went through the lengthy process of applying to the Environment Department for temporary parasols that go out in the morning and that was refused,’ said Christies Leisure Group operations manager Phil Collinson.
‘They are quite happy for a monstrous marquee, manually strapped to railings, to go up, but we are not allowed to put umbrellas up to provide shade, heat and shelter. One thing is OK for one person but the rule is different for somebody else.’
He believed the marquee would bring extra trade to the area, but so too would parasols.
HMV store manager and company director Andy Farley said the marquee had come as a surprise.
‘If it brings the Markets alive, it’s going to be good for the island. It could be positive for us and bring a slightly different customer.’
Mr Martel said that after a brainstorming session with McAulay director Brett Allen and talks about a possible permanent location, a temporary solution was found. A security firm will patrol it 24 hours a day.
‘All the insides have been boarded and if anybody tries to get in there, they will come across a wooden wall,’ said Mr Martel.
He added that the stock would be a light-hearted selection of things that would appeal to everybody.
‘I will be working hand in hand with the businesses in the Markets.
‘I think the whole area will be buzzing and hopefully it can enhance the Town’s lovely atmosphere.’
Mr Allen said the marquee had the added benefit of doing away with the unsightly fencing and that it had health and safety approval.
‘We are following the precedent set by the States for Liberation Day with the pensioners’ parlour, but this is purely temporary and not a permanent fixture.’
The area is private so the constables do not have control over it.
Environment was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Article posted on 26th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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