Delay Continues Over Transfer of Gorey Seafront Play Park

An apology has been issued to islanders as the process of transferring ownership of a popular seafront play park in Gorey continues to face delays.

The Parish of Grouville agreed last year to take over responsibility for Sandy Park after the Government of Jersey's Infrastructure Department confirmed it would not renew its lease. However, almost 12 months later, the transfer has yet to be finalised.

In the meantime, the park remains closed, with play equipment fenced off while maintenance work is carried out.

Grouville Constable Mark Labey said negotiations were nearing completion and expressed regret over the length of time the process had taken.

"We are in the final stages of legal debate," he said. "It has been a little long-winded and I apologise to the islanders for that."

According to Labey, the land forms part of Grouville Common, which is Crown property managed by the Receiver General and a committee representing the parish's chief tenants. Plans are in place for a new 50-year lease that would place the park under parish control.

The parish has continued to fund regular safety inspections while the transfer is being completed. A recent assessment identified several issues requiring attention, including repairs to the climbing frame and replacement of a fence.

Labey said public safety remained the priority and warned that the play area was likely to remain closed for some time.

"We're hoping it will reopen in time for the school holidays," he said.

The closure has disappointed local families who regularly use the facility.

Rebekah Key, who visits the park with her family, said she hoped the work would be completed before the summer break.

"We're now in the summer term and parents are spending more time outdoors with their children when the weather is good," she said. "It would be nice to see it ready for the summer holidays."

Another parent, Abby Osgerby, said the play area was a valuable community resource that her family used frequently.

"It's a great facility and we use it all the time," she said. "Before we use any equipment, we always check that it's safe. Ultimately, I think parents also have a responsibility to make sure it's okay to use."