Islanders in beach demonstration to protect coast

Organisers said about 250 people took part in the demonstration

Islanders gathered on Sunday for a demonstration to support the protection of Jersey's coastline "from overdevelopment and privatisation".

The event called for people to gather at La Pulente on the south-west coast of Jersey and "link arms in a show of continued support for the protection of our coastline".

Organisers said about 250 people took part in the demonstration which was set up by St Brelade deputy, Montfort Tadier.

Speaking at the event, Mr Tadier said it would "be a shame" if the area fell into "exclusive and private use".

'Pledge to protect'

The protestors spread across the sand in St Ouen's Bay at La Pulente where the former Nude Dunes restaurant site is for sale after going bust.

Plans have been drawn up to include self-catering accommodation on the site, but the estate agent said the current owner had no intention to turn it into just a house.

Mr Tadier said: "It's not just St Brelade, throughout the whole island we have so many beautiful spots which are loved by locals and visitors alike, and I think this is a good example of an area, a cafe, which has been used.

"It's publicly accessible, it has been, and I think it would be a shame if that falls into exclusive and private use."

A similar event, supported by the National Trust for Jersey, took place in 2009 where people linked arms in "a pledge to protect Jersey's coastline".

"We know that 15 years ago that there was a big line in the sand here, and I think it's important to restate there is still that support," Mr Tadier added.

"People still have strong feelings about protecting our natural heritage on the island and it's important that our legislators and our planners also know that."