Diving board removal delayed for four weeks

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez said nobody wanted "to see the platform removed" unless absolutely necessary

A diving board in Guernsey which was due to be removed this week has been given a four-week stay of execution by the government.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has postponed an order to remove the board at La Vallette outdoor Bathing Pools in St Peter Port, and formed a working group to "consider the issues".

The delay comes after a public outcry over the removal of the board, which included a demonstration at the pools on Sunday.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said nobody wanted "to see the platform removed unless it is absolutely necessary" but the delay "comes with risk" and so people should not use it in the meantime.

De Sausmarez said "new avenues [had] potentially now become available" and she planned to work with community representatives to make sure "all viable alternatives" were examined.

She said: "As a keen swimmer myself, I'm extremely keen – like so many others – to find a solution that will mean the diving platform can remain in place for people to safely enjoy."