GROUVILLE residents campaigning to stop an oyster processing plant being built are to defer taking a petition to the States in the hope of finding a compromise.

Parishioners said they had little faith in States Members and planners to save the green field site at Seymour, and felt unofficial negotiations were their best hope of stopping the plant.

However, they praised directors of the Jersey Oyster Company, which is behind the ‘fish factory’ plans, for the way they had been willing to talk to residents.

One parishioner said the whole affair showed ‘Jersey at its best’, with businessmen not just looking to the bottom line with cold disregard of residents.

The company has drawn up plans to build a 20,000 sq ft shed in field 571, off Rue du Puits Mahaut, for grading, washing and preparing mussels and oysters which are cultivated in Grouville Bay.

They also hope to build an accommodation block with 12 double units and the shed would include offices, a workshop and the processing area.

Company directors, who are looking to expand their operation, have so far agreed to delay submitting the plans while they discuss possible alternative sites.