ISLANDERS might now think twice before offering their services to the parish after it was confirmed that officials could be sued in an individual capacity while carrying out their duties, two constables have warned.

Barry Cash, junior constable for St Peter Port, and Chris Singer, senior constable for Torteval, responded with their concerns after the Petty Debts Court ruled that parish officials could be held personally liable for actions taken within their roles.

Castel junior constable Barry Paint (pictured) has been told to pay £200 for damage caused to Steve Ogier’s van when he supervised it being moved by a tractor in the car park next to Checkers Express, Cobo, in June. Deputy Paint had considered the vehicle, which was full of tyres and wood, to be a hazard following a threat from someone that they would set it on fire.

It is feared the landmark case could have far-reaching implications for the parishes.

‘I think it will make people think twice about putting themselves forward for parish roles, which would be such a shame because there are some very good people who do,’ said Mr Cash.

‘They are not positions that people rush to put themselves forward for, either.’

Mr Cash said officials needed to know what they could and could not do while performing their duties.