The Jersey Battle of Flowers Association want the funfair to be moved from the Lower Park back to the People’s Park, where it was held until 15 years ago.But at a parish assembly at the Town Hall last night, parishioners voted by 16 to nine against the move, with the Constable promising that the roads committee would meet soon to make a decision.Health Protection assistant director Steve Smith told the meeting that the Bailiff’s Panel on Entertainment, which includes representatives from the emergency services, were extremely worried about the accidents on Victoria Avenue involving pedestrians that had taken place during past funfairs held there.There were a total of three road accidents during the fairs of 2000 and 2001.’The panel is concerned that sooner or later there will be a fatality,’ he said.Association chairman Bob Pallot said they wanted to ‘free up’ the Lower Park so it could be used during Battle week for one of a ‘few new and exciting ideas’ they were planning for that site.On the road safety aspect of the funfair continuing on the Lower Park, Mr Pallot said it was ‘basically an accident waiting to happen’ and that the emergency services and health and safety officers were supportive of the move to the People’s Park.There was strong opposition from residents from the People’s Park area to the suggested move.Mary Ayling spoke of the problems caused by the vibration of generators used on the fairground and loud noise and horrible smells emanating until late into the night.Resident Peter Robins said that whereas the Picnic in the Park was not a problem as it took place for just half a day and the litter was cleared up afterwards, the funfair went on for three weeks and the association did not have the resources to ensure it did not create major problems.Strong opposition to the move came, too, from Deputy Jacqui Huet and former Constable Bob Le Brocq, the former having been a Centenier when the funfair was last held on the People’s Park.Deputy Huet said that at that time there had been arrests every night of the fair.However, Terry Avery, from the association, said the police had now reduced regular patrols at the funfair to occasional visits because of the lack of trouble.Opposition came from the Rev Geoff Houghton, from All Saints’ Church, who was concerned about adverse effects on the residents of old people’s homes bordering the People’s Park.John Clarke spoke against the funfair remaining on the Lower Park near to his property by saying that the ‘horrible beat music’ which emanated was unnecessary.Deputy Guy de Faye said that although he supported the Battle, funfairs should be sited as far away as possible from residential areas.He said it was vital to address the question of the funfair currently creating a major road hazard.Asked what ‘new and exciting plans’ the association had for the Lower Park during Battle week, Mr Pallot said that consideration was being given to holding an international food fair or displaying the exhibits there.Jane Pearce said that to stage a food fair there would be likely to aggravate the road safety problem even further, as people might be drinking more alcohol there than at the fair.
After the meeting, Mr Smith said that inquiries about the possibility of moving the funfair to the waterfront had led to advice that the ground there was too unstable for the big rides.
