ENVIRONMENT minister David De Lisle has joined the debate about the marquee in the Markets. The 1,700sq. ft temporary home of Avant Garden outside HMV has caused controversy since it was put up at the weekend.
Deputy De Lisle said he was ‘not at all happy’ about the tent and would be investigating the situation immediately.
‘I have asked for this matter to be registered for enforcement registration following numerous complaints,’ he said.
‘Not only is it compromising views, but it’s also disrupting access to the walkway onto Fountain Street. The marquee was not what we agreed and I will be taking up the issue with Treasury, who have responsibility for the area.’
However Treasury minister Lyndon Trott denied accountability for the marquee, as did States Property Services estates manager John Silvester.
Mr Silvester said that if it had been a permanent structure, then it would have been a different matter altogether.
‘Because it is a temporary arrangement on a private area belonging to McAulay, we have no jurisdiction over it.
‘If we were talking about a permanent steel and concrete structure, then that would be different.
‘As far as we’re concerned, the area is being used for market trading and there’s no reason to put a stop to that.’
He added that any argument about the appearance of the structure would be a matter for Environment to sort out.
There are still mixed emotions about the marquee from the public.
But Avant Garden owner Nick Martel today hit back at the critics.
‘Business is booming and everyone has said how pleased they are the marquee is here,’ he said. ‘I’ve had no complaints at all.’
Article posted on 1st June, 2007 - 12.00am
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