A PROPOSAL to close Phillips Street to create an al fresco entertainment area for the Jersey Arts Centre is on hold pending major sewerage works in the area.

The idea was first suggested more than five years ago and is still part of the long-term plans of the entertainment venue.

But the parish of St Helier said it was just an idea and no consideration of the traffic implications and effects on residents had taken place.

The parish’s assistant director of technical and environmental services, John Stiévenard, said nothing could be considered until Transport and Technical Services had completed planned works at part of the St Helier flood prevention scheme at the junction of Phillips Street and Providence Street, which would not be undertaken until 2008 at the earliest.

Nonetheless, the Arts Centre is hoping to open its doors to al fresco dining this summer.

The centre has applied to Planning to open up the front of the building with large folding doors and put tables on the pavement for up to 14 Islanders and visitors to eat outside.