LEADING Chef Tenant Rod Amy has hit back at criticism that their support of plans to build on Grouville Common is irresponsible.

Mr Amy, chairman of the management committee of the tenants, said that the decision to support the plan to dig up the dune by the Long Beach car park to build a restaurant was democratic, with more than 60% of the existing tenants having their vote.

He added that he had been hurt by many of the things which had been said about the tenants in the parish.

‘I object to the accusations made by those who oppose this project.

‘I just want people to be fair and reasonable.

We have been subject to sustained criticism unfairly.

We are waiting for the planning procedure to take place in the proper way,’ he said.

As the common was private land, he said, they were under no obligation to inform Grouville parishioners of what they were doing.

‘We don’t have to provide it for the public, but we do.

We spend our own time and our own money looking after the common and providing facilities for the public free of charge.

‘Our obligation is to the Crown and not to the public.’