Meeting over kart track concerns

Monday 25th October 2010, 2:58PM BST.

Mr Butcher has arranged a meeting to discuss plans to create a permanent kart track

Mr Butcher has arranged a meeting to discuss plans to create a permanent kart track

CONCERNS that plans to create a permanent go-kart track at the loop road at Ronez might escalate its use have led to the Constable of St John calling a meeting this week.

Graeme Butcher has been approached by a number of people who are worried that if the plans go ahead the Jersey Kart and Motor Club might want to extend its
programme.

He has called a meeting at the parish hall on Wednesday at 7.30 pm when the club’s president Robin Troy will be available to answer questions about the proposals.

The club’s plans, submitted to the Planning department in September, would lead to the loop road in St John being permanently closed.


  1. 1
    Mulvie Le Phew

    So the concern is that if a kart track is built it might be used? I’d say it’s a justifiable concern, look what happened when they built a Checkers at Red Houses, people started using it.

    There is a significant danger that if something exists it might be used.

    Now what we really need is fair price comission, we don’t have one in King Street and I don’t use it all the time.

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  2. 2
    truthseeker

    I have always foound the Costable of St.John to be a sensible fellow,if he allows this then I have miread him.the road is there for the general public…just because this club’s members are too lazy to put away the paraphernalia after race meetings is ridiculous…the Jersey Motor Cycle and light car club put on Hill Climbs and fabulous sand races…they know the tide would wash all away and have to beat the incoming tide to get it away…come on Kart club…that just is not the place…Find a field or old greenhouse site and build a course….but not on OUR roads especially at such a beauty spot.No NO NO . Graeme…stop them.

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  3. 3
    John

    Totally agree with truthseeker – this is a beautiful area providing superb views out towards the north of the Island. If no additional use is planned in their schedule why does the whole thing need to now be all blocked off? I’m unavoidably in the UK or I would def be at the meeting.

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  4. 4
    Ridin' roughshod

    This problem has started because the kart club was allowed to use that road. It belongs to the public.

    Now the club wants to push a bit further and take it over. The club should either rest on its laurels or leave. It was allowed to use the public land as a favour. Now it thinks that it has the right to take it over. In future, this will put the authorities off granting concessions to other clubs because to do so is creating a trojan horse and this will set a dangerous precedent.

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  5. 5
    Reg

    Perhaps if planning receive enough objections it won’t go ahead. I’m no nimby; I live in St Clement and I will be registering an objection. Let’s hope that it’s not a fait accompli with some covert agreement but that would be illegal, wouldn’t it!?

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  6. 6
    grasshopper

    Sorry to say it but the Jersey Kart club but will never have a permanent home on this Island .
    I wish you all the best with your planning application but you are swimming against a tide of vociferous and in many cases sadly uninformed opposition .
    @ truthseeker where would you suggest?, that nice sensible Mr Butcher suggested Crabbe or inside the existing horse race course at Les Landes , but don’t worry it wont be allowed to happen.

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  7. 7
    Rozel Aubin

    truthseeker, you have spoken for me and countless others.

    #3 ‘I’m unavoidably in the UK or I would def be at the meeting.’

    Me too, John.

    It’s going to happen, regrettably, just watch.

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  8. 8
    biker

    truthseeker
    you say find a field or an old green house somewhere to build a track but you obviously haven’t looked into it more as the club had already been denied planning for a permanent track in a field by the usual not in MY back yard and not on OUR roads.

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  9. 9
    Kage

    I have no idea what the problem is here.

    Theres some road that is suitable for go kart racing. And there are people who want to use it.

    There is not enough space on the island so I just think we need to share really. If a different group had asked to use the area for something else on a regular basis would your reaction be the same?

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  10. 10
    reggio

    Here we go again !!!! IMHO Constable Butcher had the best suggestion ,sensible fellow that he is and that is build a circuit inside the race track at Les Landes every body wins

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  11. 11
    Jersey Teenager

    Ergh…… from what i’ve seen over the last few years…. Butcher is blowing hot and cold over the kart club so must question his loyalty’s (this is more of a political issue as he seems to say yes, then change his mind later).

    Personally I think the loop is the kart club’s best shot as it is probably the furthest away from housing you are going to get! Plus I see alot of people describe the area as a site of natural beauty etc… well everytime i’ve been up there I always see bin bags and Motorbike/ 4×4 tred marks on the bank :(

    At least if it was a perminant circuit the place could not be vandelised anymore!

    Having looked at the plans, there is still access for people to go to the loop, just the back section that overhangs on the quarry is out of reach… i’m a photographer and was very happy with what views I could see from the proposal! Besides…. Sorel Point that is less than 1/4 mile away offers the same views and is easy access!

    I wish the kart club good luck, I will be supporting them and I will be there on Wednesday to hear everyone else’s opinion!

    #1…. your post has made my day as it is too true!

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  12. 12
    truthseeker

    The lack of gratitude of this club is appalling..they’ve been given permission to use it for meetings.same as the hill climb..this is a case of give them an inch and they’ll take a mile…what if permission was withdrawn.you’d have really shot yourself in the foot then and would be only too glad to have the concession back…..Constable Butcher sort ‘em out.a lot of people are watching .

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  13. 13
    grasshopper

    @ 2 & 12 truthseeker

    Calm down. It’s only the kart club !!!!

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  14. 14
    reggio

    Truthseeker,
    If you feel so strongly
    please come to the open parish meeting at St Johns this wednesday evening and you can vent your considerable spleen there .
    lets hope Rozel Reg & Ridin ‘roughshod ( sounds like a good Country band !!!) will also be there ,i look forward to hearing all of your opnions and arguments .

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  15. 15
    Jersey Teenager

    @ Truthseeker….. yes calm down!

    As Grasshopper stated it is only a club at the end of the day! And they have their rights to ask for a perminant facility (as does every club may I add!) They have been there for 12 years and have not been a major issue (that I know of) to the public and have kept the area in as good as condition as possibly can. (Hats off to them for the upkeep!)

    As I said before, this is probably the wisest sollution for the club as it is probably the furthest point away from residential areas in Jersey.

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  16. 16
    truthseeker

    15 Teenager….no club has a right…especially on our roads paid for with OUR money…

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  17. 17
    Skwiffy

    TRUTHSEEKER how right you are a minority trying to vandalise even more a beautiful area, give these people an inch and they try to take everything let them use the area but ONLY under the existing arrangements!!

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  18. 18
    Boyesen reeds

    I don’t think going to a meeting will really help. This is plainly wrong in principle. It is possible now to object to an application on line so it is very straightforward. I should imagine that any dissent will be shouted down by the club at the meeting, they will clearly be well prepared with glib, pre-arranged answers

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  19. 19
    Enlightened one

    Truthseeker,
    here are some facts for you,
    1 that road goes no where but around a piece of land. if you honestly like spending time there, then boohoo. its a pointless road.
    2 that piece of land is being bought by the club, they’re not asking for you to fork out for it.
    3 that road is a parish road, and the parish can sell it if it wants to.
    4 I dare say usage will increase, yes.
    5 its at the only site in the island where no one can complain about the noise, given there is a quarry next to it, and another permanent motorcycling track
    6 building a track will enable youngsters to develop faster, and be able to compete with their rivals on the world stage. wouldn’t we all like the next lewis hamilton, jenson button, or andy priaux to come from jersey?
    7 the existence of the track will encourage more visors to the island, for national meets etc, Boosting tourism.
    8 if you can find a better site, away from residential areas on an old glass house site, which is a designated green site then why don’t you suggest it?
    9 and how exactly is a track, which has no height to it, and some single story buildings going to harm that part of the islands “Natural Beauty” ITS BY A QUARRY!!!

    Here’s a link to the kart clubs website, where you can view the plans for yourself. Its not even that extensive, and most of the area will stay as is.

    Oh and before I forget to ask you truthseeker, what hobbies do you do?

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  20. 20
    Enlightened one

    oops forgot the link

    http://jerseykartclub.com/index.htm

    peruse at your own pleasure truthseeker and Co

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  21. 21
    Mark

    I hope this doesn’t go ahead. It seems to go against the planning law anyway

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  22. 22
    Vrindu

    Personally I think that all sports should be banned. Think of the amount of land taken up by golfers. All those noisy jet-ski’s, private aircraft unnecessarily polluting the skies, Some people use quad bikes around quiet areas. Blimey, there’s even a club that are allowed to practise using fire-arms. Think of all those yachts churning up the aquatic life. Heck, my neighbour even had the temerity to use his chainsaw last weekend. Footballers spitting on the pitch and the well known problem of tiddly-winks hooligans. Her indoors also makes one hell of a row if I forget to hang the washing out. The world is going to rack and ruin.

    One person’s pleasure is another persons poison. Unless 50% of the population take part in a sport then it is always going to be minority.

    It is easy to try to stomp on a small cluh just because you don’t like the sport and well done to many of the current contributors to this column for doing just that.

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  23. 23
    Framily tries

    Vrindu; interesting comment. Surely there is one sport which you like?

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  24. 24
    Jersey Teenager

    Truthseeker, Boyesen reeds & skwiffy

    You are acting like barbarians! And branding the club as if it is as evil as a certain dictator from 70 years ago!

    Truthseeker espechally, you are sounding like a spoilt brat! EVERYONE has a right! it’s called the 21st century………

    As the Enlightened one pointed out, the club want to buy the road, so how exacly is it going to cost you?

    From what the club have proposed, they have ensured that there is access for people to still appreciate the sights that it has to offer, it is one less road (which goes no where) that will not be maintained by the States anymore and so not being paid by us for it’s upkeep!

    Just in general talking, I am amazed how many people have started talking about things that the club are wanting to do, how they are going to ruin it etc….

    How many people have actually read the plans they posted to the planning dept?

    Honestly… Jersey is just a 9×5 sq mile Island with everyone playing Chinese Whispers!

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  25. 25
    grasshopper

    @framily tries
    I think Vrindu was Being ironic but I get his point and yes jersey teenager the mighty truthseeker does seem to get in a lather over many subjects

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  26. 26
    Harry Horse

    “Truthseeker espechally (spelling), you are sounding like a spoilt brat! EVERYONE has a right! it’s called the 21st century………”

    “You are acting like barbarians! And branding the club as if it is as evil as a certain dictator from 70 years ago!

    Yes. Everyone has a right to enjoy a public raod and to enjoy the island. No single group has any right to demand that they be allowed to annexe a public area, particularly for whimsical, non essential use If you want comparisions with a certain regime, I think that is it.

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  27. 27
    Grouvillian

    May I point out to all that many clubs in this Island have been able to lease or have brought their land from States. Horse Racing track at Les Landes and the Rugby club to name but a few.
    Incidently in response to Harry Horse hasn’t the construction of the race course caused you great distress that the public can not fully enjoy the St.Ouen coastline?
    I share the opinion of Englightened one, that with the right facilities and backing look at the success of our Rugby club, the bobsleigh team, the Spartans and the Tigers which have achieved so much success over the last couple of years. The Kart Club with this new track could produce exciting and talented young stars of motorsport which the Island (even including Trueseeker) could be proud to call our own and repersent us on the international stage. Guernsey’s got Andy Prieux!
    The club have already been at the Loop for 12 years which was a temporary proivision that the States provided until a permanent track could be found. The club staying at the Loop in real terms is not going to change anything as in the plans there IS provision for the public to come to the Loop and admire the view, and the quarry. Please refer to the plans if you don’t believe me.

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  28. 28
    Real Truthseeker

    Truthseeker, as usual you are a vocal minority, and thankfully here we have at last some voice from the silent majority.

    You are as always completely wrong in your assertions and opinions.

    There will remain access to the headland, that is a fact. Read lal these comments above, calm down for a change, and look at it objectively and with facts before heading as usual down the wrong hole!

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  29. 29
    reggio

    28 real truthseeker
    once again you have hit the nail on the head my kiwi friend

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  30. 30
    Wendy

    Grouvillian; Yes, agreed, very good point. The race course at St Ouen did cause distress and shouldn’t really be there, so we should not, as you say, repeat that mistake. Good spot, I hadn’t thought of that comparison. And further agreed that the kart track can remain temporary. Let’s just hope that the plans are withdrawn and we can remain as we are, as you rightly point out. Exciting new talent can continue to be nurtured under the existing arrangement!

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  31. 31
    Pippin

    Commentator at 27 (Grouvillian); I think the point that “Harry Horse” was making was that it is a bit silly for the kart member to accuse someone who wishes to preserve something with the third reich. On the contrary, it is those who attempt to seize or appropriate public property who tend to fit that particular description, it would seem.

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  32. 32
    truthseeker

    See…what inhaling all those petrol fumes have done…..Just too lazy to put it away or as I suspect next request would be for some kind of structure…..same old song…follow the sterling example of the |Jersey Motor cycle and light car club…and grow up.

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  33. 33
    I like you!

    Part of the argument is that the kart club finds that it is not agreeable to clear up after each event; hence the need for permanence. What can we see happening once the permanence which is sought is granted? Think “natural beauty” and then picture the opposite!!

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  34. 34
    Henrietta Smithers

    No thank you. Not here please.

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  35. 35
    Michael Palacio

    Grouvillian’s post sets out exactly why this sets a dangerous precedent.

    In effect, he says “Les Landes was allowed, so was the Rugby club”, so why can’t we do the same?” Well, if you are allowed to build there, who else will try and piggy-back off the growing body of precedents? Another motor racing club? It has to stop somewhere and we are talking noisy and pollutive motor sport here. His view seems to be that the club is somehow entitled to take this land. The club’s activities are not the responsibility of the people of Jersey and they don’t owe the club a living. Why not be grateful for the concession which was granted? One thing is for sure; if those who granted that concession 12 or so years ago could foresee that the club would use the concession as a means to take the land, then it would never have been granted. The club is trying to move the goal posts. What will be next?

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  36. 36
    Piston

    I agree with Vrindu about the banning of all sports and would further add that I think people should also be banned from living on the island of Jersy too. It beggars belief that a PHD study has not been undertaken into the abuse and decay reaped upon the island by 100,000 humans all living there. Each day they build houses, shops and offices. They commute in their cars, defecate in their loos, litter the island with rubbish and pollute the air with carbon monoxide every time they breathe!
    Are these people at the kart club insane? They expect people to enjoy themselves? Well yes actually….so count me in for one.

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  37. 37
    Vernon

    We don’t need a change of use and alterations to form permanent go-kart track. Construct race control box. Erect fencing and gate. Various external alterations. The mind boggles. This an area GREEN ZONE, Zone of Oustanding Character as listed by planning.

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  38. 38
    Jersey Teenager

    Wendy, from what I read that is not what Grovilian meant in his post…. the jist of it was for people to read the planning before they open their mouth.

    Truthseeker…… from what I can work out… you seem to hold a grudge against the kart club and admire the other motor club over here? Dare I suggest that you are part of the other motor club?

    However as grovilian pointed out, parts of the area will still be of access to the public to see the views of the other Islands and France (this is good for me as I do photography) I am happy with that arangement. There is still going to be an access road so what is the problem???

    Finally …. its a circuit!!! Generally circuits are low profile? You know… not 5 stories high etc…. how is road going to be an eye sore??

    You can’t see the road when you drive along the North Road, so what is going to change landscape wise?

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  39. 39
    Bicycles

    Woth noting that the plans include a field as well as the road. In an area of outstanding natural beauty. the club shouldn’t be there at all really; you’d think they would be grateful. Perhaps they’d like to find somewhere else if the present arrangement doesn’t suit them

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  40. 40
    Peter

    Someone said
    “The club staying at the Loop in real terms is not going to change anything….”

    Sounds like a politician to me. if that’s the case, then why push so hard to take the land from the public if, by your own admission, it changes nothing “in real terms”?

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  41. 41
    Grouvillian

    In response to commentator 35 which other club is looking for a home?
    My point was in my orginial post: Look at the success that good facilities can produce.
    Lest we forget Jersey was once leading the way in karting in GB. Karting at Belle Vue inspired Eddie Jordan to become the entrepreter in motorsport that we know him as today.
    The island has produced international stars and this is another avenue which we could again.

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  42. 42
    Bertram Gio

    41; Good point by Grovellian at number 41. What other clubs are looking for homes? We don’t know. Even if it is none at the moment, allowing this proposition will set or perpetuate the precedent. Does anybody know the extent of the danger which Grovellian rightly identifies so far as further incursion into the countryside zone is concerned? The given application involves change of use and build on the road and a field in an oustanding area of natural beauty within the green zone.

    We look forward to see more rising stars being nurtured via the existing and generous concession which allows the club to use this public area.

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  43. 43
    Richard

    This is a fantastic opportunity for the island to produce champion karters. For some reason, there apparently hasn’t been any lately, but we are told that there will be once the public don’t own the site any more. If we give public football areas to the private clubs does that mean that we will get champion footballers? Perhaps the fact that the land to be built on by the club is an outstanding area of natural beauty has something to do with it; the would-be champion can admire the view and take in the sea air, along with the delicate aroma of 2 stroke and castrol “R” fumes in order to enable the salubrity to propel him to international stardom on the motor racing circuit…….

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  44. 44
    Henry Lamont

    The temporary status protects this outstanding area of natural beauty in the green zone. Let’s keep it that way, please. the club doesn’t need to own it, it can just carry on with the present loan. That way, its activities can be controlled properly and the area protected. Otherwise, another site for the club perhaps.

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  45. 45
    Orwellian

    May I point out to all that many clubs in this Island have been able to lease or have brought their land from States. Horse Racing track at Les Landes and the Rugby club to name but a few. The race course at St Ouen did cause distress and shouldn’t really be there, so we should not, as you say, repeat that mistake.

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  46. 46
    No Way

    The current plans allow for parking on the present two-lane main road until the point where it splits to form the loop. From there, the plans include a dirt track, one vehicle wide, to a turning area that is not quite at the point where most people seem to park presently to enjoy the view.

    The present great view (unmatched anywhere else – just compare the amount of France you can see from other viewpoints – much less) is from a point where you wouldn’t be able to park under the proposals – it’s a turning area ONLY with nowhere to stop to take in the view.

    They don’t have a God-given right to take part in a noisy sport of disturbance.

    They are currently GUESTS on PUBLIC LAND and these proposals are really pushing their luck!

    You have until Tuesday to write into Planning and register an objection or they will STEAL OUR ROAD!

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  47. 47
    Alison

    Oh my goodness, not again! Hasn’t the club got the message that they shouldn’t be pushing this? Apart from the fact that they have had a pretty good favour from the public for all these years, this looks pretty pushy and they clearly don’t care about the negative pr. I,m sure the parish has a better use for the land. Why not just leave it alone? Let the club use it under close supervision as they have been doing- nobody is suggesting otherwise-just don’t let the area be taken over altogether please. This is how areas get spoilt and then we look back and wonder how it was allowed to happen.

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  48. 48
    Ken

    Who is Eddie Jordan? Is anybody really bothered? Did he benefit the people of Jersey!?

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  49. 49
    grasshopper

    There have been posts too many to comment on that if the kart club do not like the present arrangement they should find somewhere else to race , i think they have been trying to find somewhere permanent since Belle Vue shut in 1994 and none of the comments seemed to make any constructive suggestions as to where !!
    as i have said before my own suggestion would be inside the infield of the Jersey Race club’s facility @ Les Landes , it is already spoiled IMHO by the monstrosity that has been built there and a circuit would make very little difference
    there !!! constructive comment instead of just the usual negativity

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  50. 50
    tree hugger

    Jersey should be renamed nimby land. Alright as long as it is not near me! This track could not be any further away from the general public if it tried. The noise will be minimal as it is now and yes its near a very noisy quarry, clearly a RAMSAR site by local definitions. Never mind the obvious benefits to the island I can hear it if I turn up my hearing aid and strain over my hedge so lets stop it!!!!

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  51. 51
    Mark

    @no 46
    “The present great view (unmatched anywhere else – just compare the amount of France you can see from other viewpoints – much less) is from a point where you wouldn’t be able to park under the proposals – it’s a turning area ONLY with nowhere to stop to take in the view.”

    Those things at the end of your legs, feet I believe they are called, if you move one in front of the other, then try it again with the other foot and repeat as necessary, you will experience what is commonly called walking. This rather antiquated form of transport amazingly doesn’t require any provision of parking facilities at your destination.

    (and yes, I appreciate there are some in our society who are unable to walk)

    On the topic of the proposals, I personally don’t see why the club can’t continue to work under the existing arrangements. A site needs to be kept tidy even if it’s a permanent track so just suck it up and clear up fully after each event and be thankful that the States have allowed you to continue using the loop road all these years.

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  52. 52
    Mark

    Hmm, it seems this site parses and removes ironic HTML tags.

    I repeat (in a different format)

    *tongue firmly in cheek*
    legs, feet blah blah blah
    */tongue firmly in cheek*

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  53. 53
    Rozel Aubin

    Well said, Alison,#47.

    As long as pushiness is seen as a virtue these things are going to happen relentlessly in the island.

    Look at the mess at Sorel made by another ‘Motor Sport’.

    Ken,#48, you probably wonder as I do why there is a desperate need for champions of any sport. Pathetic. What’s wrong with a non competive, more philosophical, lifestyle?

    By the way, does the Portuguese barbecue fraternity know about these plans for one of their favourite spots?

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  54. 54
    Jersey Teenager

    I was at the meeting last night and must admit I was supprised….

    In the room there was more support for the club, rather than against it, however the people who were against it made more noise and got their points across.

    If any of you were there last night, did you see the photos at the back of the room?

    They showed exactly what views you would get from the proposed access track. Personally I thought that was more than suitable as the only place you would not be able to go to would be the back part where the quarry is…. that path does bring you up to where the chimney is, many a time I have been there, I have seen people PAST the chimney. Plus there were photos showing how abused this “area of outstanding beauty” gets… the motorbike tread marks on the bank, the fly tipping! Plus this area that the public deem a fantastic quiet spot…. I see a very different side to this… though shall not go into details as it is unsuitable to talk about on a public comments section!

    Looking at this from a teenagers point of view….. I am bored out of my mind with nothing to do on this Island anymore, this facility would give people like myself and my friends a valid interest in motorsport! From what I heard last night, their main intention for the extra hours was to give new people a chance to train and help get them started in karting! Also… if these are to be held on week days when Ronez Quary is active, plus many people will be at work? I cannot see a problem there!

    As for the noise…. I’m sorry but I do question the theory behind this, I have turned up to their events to take photos during the year and I struggle to hear them from La Fontaine Tavern! (in some cases the moto x I can hear more clearly compared to the karts!)
    Most of the noise travels out to sea, while I appreceate the water reflects the sound… no way can it be as bad as people are saying it is!

    However I must admit how disgusted I am from seeing how agressive the people who are against this were last night! What ever happened to talking in a legitamate manner???

    I appreceate Jersey is a small Island so you are never that far away from a house, but the loop is probably as far away you are going to get from society as possible!

    But for the sake of teenagers like me and my friends… if you don’ like it… fine…. but at least help the club find a permenant home so we can do something more provocative with our weekends as we are fed up of doing nothing over here! (yes amazingly getting drunk & sight seeing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea)

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  55. 55
    tricky

    Well Well 20 mph Rozel Aubin, your comments should be objective. In terms of Sorel I know the JMCLCC spend a lot of time and money keeping the site as tidy and weed free as possible. Given the vast amount of open space on the North coast surely even you cannot them this area! Incidently you might want to know that they are spending this Saturday running an event to raise funds for charity. Last year they russled up £1000 for the Teenage cancer charity.

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  56. 56
    Karting no#8

    At this current moment the road as it stands is cracking and falling appart. The gravil track around is always filled with dog waste and rubbish. Motorcycle riders and boy racers go there at night and race around making more noice at later hours. Lately we have also noticed that poeple fly tip there over the side.

    My point here is the kart club would like to buy the land, not take it away. The club will then pay for the road to be developed into a track.

    The track itself will be closed to public, Stopping the motorcycles and boy racers going around there at night which will stop late night noice the parish is getting now.

    They are putting in an access track with parking spaces at the end so that you can still go and see your beatuiful views.

    This means parish of st Johns gets the money from the sale, does not have to spend its money or retarmicing the road that it will need soon. Also wont have to pay for the up keep of road this is something the club are offering to do.

    To me this sounds like it will beniffit the parish of st Johns just as much as the kart club but some people cant help but complain.

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  57. 57
    Gavin mc nicol

    I was at St John’s parish hall last night and yes I was there to support the kart club in their aim to try and secure a permanent home for their activities .
    1. I must congratulate Constable Butcher for chairing the meeting and trying to give as many speakers as possible the time to make their point.
    2. Former constable Carl Hinault has missed his true vocation in life as a poet as he painted a wonderful picture of what could be seen fro
    The loop road,convieniently he omitted to mention that well known beauty spot Ronez quarry.
    3. What could only be described as a rant by a fairly well known figure from another sports club who pride themselves on developing youth players , but would be quite content not to allow the kart club to do the same .
    4.I wish the kart club all the best in their efforts to secure a more permanent facility in which to develop their sport and hope they press on with application.

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  58. 58
    No Way

    If the club get their way and STEAL OUR ROAD we will not be able to park and enjoy the views in all weathers, regardless of disabilities, and that is NOT RIGHT!

    I don’t care what they do inland, it’s the COAST that should be protected – didn’t Line In The Sand mean anything to these people?

    I wish them well in their quest for a track, but taking this valuable coastal vantage point is not the right way forward. Put more effort into working out a solution at Les Landes (horses and a tarmac landing strip for model aircraft seems OK there!).

    Find a field somewhere in a valley, or one somewhere that can be sunk it into a dip or surrounded by earth banks and Leylandii trees or something for sound proofing, I don’t care where, just leave the coast alone!

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  59. 59
    No Way

    Some of the pro-karting crowd liked to use the emotive argument of how good it was for youngsters who could otherwise be out up to no good.

    I think it’s a terrible slur on these fine youngsters to suggest that they would behave badly like that without their karting hobby!

    Let’s be clear that the karting hobby has nothing to do with how these minors would behave with or without a karting facility in the island, and that argument should not be used to justify any claim to this public land – land which is used by many people for reasons other than karting, whereas other sports may be leasing public land where there was no other use that people cared about.

    So that’s TWO arguments shot down in flames for starters!

    The sole point of contention here is whether they have a right to full-time use of the coastal land from where other people like to enjoy a view from parked vehicles.

    Make a smaller loop road if you like, move the track inland, I’d have no quarrel with that – but leave the coastal road open to the low wall area PLEASE!

    i.e. close off the one-way traffic where the road splits at present, diverting to the right to have two-way traffic past the current finish line shed and BBQ area, then make a small single track (enough for a coach though) over the top to the rejoin the existing wide road to the right, and come back around the low wall area to rejoin the two-way road. The Karters can do what they like with the rest of the fields up there as far as I’m concerned, I just want the coast protected. Thanks

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  60. 60
    tree hugger

    No way =Not in my back yard, The area will still be available for use as a viewing area most of the time if it is busy then just drive a few yards down the road in either direction. In any case protect this are of coast from what? if you look east you will see one of the islands best RAMSAR sites…Ronez Quarry which this road runs right alongside, please get a grip

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  61. 61
    truthseeker

    54 You complain of boredom and not wanting to go sightseeing or getting drunk…you could Go Karting….it’s alredy allowed…so it’s not an either or..Go karting and stop moaning.

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  62. 62
    Rozel Aubin

    ‘Well Well 20 mph Rozel Aubin’

    Were you mixing me up with somebody else, tricky?

    I’m not the speed campaigner.

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  63. 63
    Jovial

    #60 tree hugger, bravo!

    ‘No way’: please desist. Why should OUR entire coast be reserved for what YOU consider to be worthwhile?

    Its all about balance. There are plenty of north coast park + view spots, far better than this loop road.

    This proposal will provide a much needed leisure facility, an exciting new sport for youngsters, an activity for tourists and a spectacle for interested observers AND it will do all of this with minimal effect on the coastline itself – unlike the monstrosity that st helier has become and which st aubin appears to be in for: perhaps your efforts would be better spent on real problems such as these.

    I hope this goes ahead and the club is able to produce a quality circuit for us all to enjoy.

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  64. 64
    No Way

    It’s not a matter of Not In My Back Yard, I live nowhere near there, but I do like to park there to enjoy the view – WHICH IS THE BEST anywhere. You simply cannot see as much of the coast of France and the other islands from 310ft up from anywhere else.

    Why should we have to lose that?

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  65. 65
    Jersey Teenager

    Truthseeker…. the idea of having a perminant circuit is to help get people started.

    Granted karting is one of the cheapest forms of motorsport around, but if you want to start, you have to buy your own equipment!

    It’s a bit hard at the moment as I wouldn’t know where to start, or what the experiance is like!

    What the club were proposing to do is effectivly help people get involved in motorsport! Now surely that would be a much wiser thing to do compared to splashing your money on things which might not be the correct gear?

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  66. 66
    Perspicuous

    The sooner the States outlaw people having fun the better, until that happens we are just going to have to resist the attempts of others as best we can.

    People parking their caravans sideways along St Ouen’s bay get up my nose, they spoil it for everyone else who would like to park. But it is, of course, so trivial. These people get tremendous satisfaction making their hot food in a car park with a fantastic view. Is it really something worth complaining about?

    Who else can we, as a community, hate? 4×4 owners,school fee-paying parents,smokers, youths, the aged, people with mobile phones, tall people, short people, wealthy people, yup, 1(1)k’s, dog owners, children, neighbours, middle aged? Oh, and lawyers. Any others?

    We need to be more tolerant, maybe consider how we would feel if it was our grandchild that was interested in the sport. Would it then be a shame it was not supported?

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  67. 67
    Perspicuous

    Oh yes, one more: Ice Skaters taking over the park for months at a time. It makes my blood boil.

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  68. 68
    Class!

    If you ask me, St John is a boring parish where nothing ever happens, and the only good thing about it is the road back out to St Helier. Its about time it moved into the 21st century. Build the Kart track, and you never know, people may just want to go there.

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  69. 69
    Yes Way

    Re No way – have you never been to the cliff paths above Bouley Bay or White Rock above Rozel?? The cliff paths are infinitely more attractive than that loop road.

    Enlightened one – thanks for the link. No Herman Tilke design granted but a good effort given the space available – how about a loop infield to use some more gradient and gain extra length?

    Finally imagine what the thoughts of the Kart Club were 20 years ago when their home was taken away for housing….they get a chance to find their feet again and everyone is so negative. Probably the same people who will never let the Jersey Rally pass their door for fear of them not being able to do their shopping on a Saturday morning (a 4 hour slot out of 8,760). What chance of a genuine public karting facility being established with electric karts (plenty quick enough and no noise pollution) so we don’t have to go off the island for a decent day’s karting – sorry Living Legend, nice attempt but too small, too narrow and a little to pricey.
    My original though of the Fort (where the Dodgems used to be) would be ideal any no one would ever know they were there. But the Fort is only ever going to be left to rot as far as returning it to a decent sporting facility/leisure centre is concerned.

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  70. 70
    tricky

    No Way…No need to SHOUT you view is neither more or less important than anyone elses.
    1) See post 63
    2) Nobody is trying to take away your view just asking to share it…is that too much to ask, or mayber you do not do sharing

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  71. 71
    truthseeker

    Well done Constable Butcher and co,…for stopping this over the top request..it is a concession and Not a right.

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  72. 72
    No Way

    I’m entitled to shout when I am OUTRAGED by attempts to steal public land from us!

    @Yes Way #69
    Yes, I am familiar with the entire North Coast, but nowhere else has the same view, all the way around from the south of Guernsey to the west, and to the east down south of Carteret – AND FROM THE COMFORT OF THE CAR!

    We can’t all tackle cliff paths you know. Spare a thought for the elderly and infirm!

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  73. 73
    C Le Verdic

    ‘…nowhere else has the same view, all the way around from the south of Guernsey to the west, and to the east down south of Carteret – AND FROM THE COMFORT OF THE CAR!’

    Exactly.

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  74. 74
    tricky

    No way- Nobody is trying to steal anything from you, if the club get the road they will have to pay for it. However you will still be able to use it when it is not being raced on. sharing is however obviously not on your agenda as it seems you are so blinded by your own sence of injustice as to be unable to see any other point of view.
    And as far as views are concerned try Sorel point even better from there!!

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  75. 75
    JerseygirlCapeTown

    Indoor track at Fort Regent !!!!!!

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  76. 76
    JDG

    I feel that high quality sporting areas on the island could be of great benefit to the islands tourist industry. From the development of a karting track to the proposed development in ST Quen for surfing that has been talked about for a couple of years, these can only be benificial for our tourest industry. Imagine having regualr races where teams come from the uk to compete in jersey. we gain from the extra tax revenue, and some hotels or campsites have a boost to their bussiness. Jersey has the potential to be an outstanding destination for sprots of all kinds and I believe that this island should be investing in it’s future and developing these facilities.

    I for one support the proposal and feel that some people on this blog are just being negative for the fun of it.

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  77. 77
    No Way

    @tricky #74

    Please don’t comment unless you’re aware of the facts. They DO PROPOSE to take away our use of the PUBLIC ROAD for ever. The proposed track and turning point is a poor substitute.

    Sorel Point is not as good! Ronez Point is the most northern part of the island, and 60-70ft higher than Sorel’s views, and has a wider angle of view. Try it for yourself, and in the meantime please don’t spread misinformation.

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  78. 78
    tricky

    No way.. I am fully aware of the facts and know the area very well. Just a shame the facts do not fit your point of view. If you check the map you will find that Route De Sorel just has the edge.
    And PLEASE STOP SHOUTING just makes you seem hysterical

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