Minister Urges Proactive Measures for Improved Healthcare

St Helier Roadworks Delayed Due to Unexpected Challenges

Ongoing roadworks in St Helier have been pushed back due to "difficult conditions under the surface," an assistant minister has confirmed.

The redevelopment of New Cut, which began in January, was initially set for completion in April but is now expected to continue until the end of June, according to government officials.

Businesses Feeling the Strain

Local businesses have voiced frustration over the prolonged disruption.

Simon Crowcroft, Constable of St Helier and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, acknowledged the impact on traders, saying, "My heart goes out to the businesses in the area."

‘Dusty, Noisy, and Disruptive’

Allan Kittleson, who runs menswear store No3 New Street, said the barriers outside his shop were deterring potential customers. "The caging they put outside is blocking the entrance quite a lot," he explained. "People wouldn’t even know we were here unless they turned the corner."

He added that retail was already struggling and that the extended roadworks had "made it worse, a hundred per cent."

Estate agent Gill Hunt, director of Hunt Estates, echoed his concerns, citing the dust, noise, and litter caused by the works.

"It’s very dusty and very noisy—lots of cigarette butts and things like that," she said. "We’re constantly washing the windows."

Improvements Will Be Worth It, Says Minister

Despite the frustrations, Crowcroft remains hopeful that the upgrades will be beneficial in the long run.

"For years now, people have said that the town centre looks tired, with uneven and dirty pavements that have been dug up multiple times," he said. "Redoing them has taken longer than expected, but it’s necessary work."

He acknowledged the disruption but reassured business owners that the government had been in consultation with them and would continue to offer support.

Crowcroft pointed to the recent pavement refurbishment in Halkett Street as an example of the benefits that could follow.

"Businesses there could see the pot of gold at the end," he said. "Once it was done, it really enhanced their urban environment. Anyone who's seen the newly repaved market in Halkett Street will appreciate the quality of the work."

While traders in New Cut face another few months of disruption, the government insists the improvements will be worth the wait.