Left to right, new tenants John and Julia Singer with the couple they have bought the lease from, Adrian and Pennie Heyworth. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0643544)

OUTGOING tenants Adrian and Pennie Heyworth have given a reassurance that Herm will not be changed radically following the sale of the lease.

‘Everyone can be assured that the governing principles of the Herm lease remain unchanged, namely to ensure that the natural attractions and peacefulness of the island are preserved and made available to all who visit it,’ said Mr Heyworth. ‘We have every confidence in the new tenant who will continue to run Herm with the island residents and current staff, making changes and improvements where necessary, as we have done.’

Starboard Settlements has agreed to buy the 40-year lease and has set up a new Guernsey company, Herm Island Ltd, which is controlled by Guernsey resident John Singer, to run the island’s affairs.

Mrs Heyworth, who was born in Herm, said it had been a privilege to enjoy the island as their family home for so long and they hoped to sign off with victory in Britain in Bloom with the winner set to be announced this week.

‘We look forward now to visiting and enjoying Herm without the responsibility of running the island.’