Summary

  • Battle of Verdun: Service to remember Guernseymen who died

  • New hospital to be built on existing site

  • Nearly a third of Guernsey's nine and 10 year olds are 'overweight'

  • Voters are heading to the polls in the Vale by-election

  • States could pay rates on buildings it owns, resulting in cash boosts for some Jersey parishes

  • Ice rink campaigners want political intervention

  • Updates on Wednesday 19 October 2016

Live Reporting

  1. Electoral roll increases by 20

    Chris Quevatre
    BBC News Online

    Voters are heading to the polls today in the Vale by-election, following the death of Deputy Dave Jones in July. 

    The vacant seat of the political veteran is being contested by four candidates.

    The total number of people on the electoral roll is now 5,136, which is a net gain of 20 since April's General Election.

    Vale Douzaine Room

  2. Latest headlines in the Channel Islands

    Chris Quevatre
    BBC News Online

    Guernsey

    • Latest statistics show that one third of Guernsey's nine and 10 year olds are overweight or obese
    • Voters in the Vale go to the polls today for a by-election, following the death of Deputy Dave Jones in July
    • The French Ambassador is taking part in a wreath laying ceremony at Smith Street today, remembering those who were lost at the Battle of Verdun

    Jersey

    • Some Jersey parishes could be hundreds of thousands of pounds better off if the States starts paying rates on the buildings it owns
    • A retiring Jersey organic farmer says the lack of support for organic production in Jersey is abysmal
    • Jersey's chief minister has been asked to intervene in the dispute over whether there should be an ice rink at Fort Regent this year

  3. Travel update: Salerie traffic lights broken

    BBC Travel

    We've had a message in from the Operations Manager at CT Plus - who run Guernsey's buses - to say that the temporary traffic lights at Salerie haven't been working properly this morning.

    They've been letting plenty of people head north towards the Bridge, but very few people south into town, where most commuters need to go.

    We're told the Environment Committee and Guernsey Police are aware, and say that they will be contacting the contractor to come out and resolve the issue.

    Traffic along Bulwer Avenue

    The traffic has reached Bulwer Avenue at peak times.

  4. Ice rink campaigners want political intervention

    BBC Radio Jersey

    Jersey's chief minister has been asked to intervene in the dispute over whether there should be an ice rink at Fort Regent this year.

    The vice chairman of the St Helier Waterfront Action Group says Senator Ian Gorst needs to take some action. 

    States of Jersey

    Ice Skate Jersey cancelled its Christmas ice rink after it was announced there would be a second rink at the Weighbridge.

    Over 1,000 people have signed an online petition organised by the action group to keep the rink at the Fort.

  5. Guernsey should be 'very bothered' by child health stats

    Chris Quevatre
    BBC News Online

    An expert in childhood obesity says tackling levels of weight issues in youngsters will stop them getting fat in future - decreasing their risk of diabetes, cancers and cardio vascular problems.

    It comes after results from the Guernsey Child Measurement Programme show one third of nine and 10 year olds are either overweight or obese.

    We should be very bothered, because it's now well known that an obese child will be five times more likely to go on to be an obese adult, and pick up all the issues that come with obesity and are even worse than obesity itself."

    Tam Fry, Patron of the Child Growth Foundation

  6. Travel update: Traffic along seafront

    BBC Travel

    The traffic along Guernsey's seafront stretches almost all the way from Salerie Corner to Bulwer Avenue.

    It's caused by the traffic lights at Salerie, which are due to come down later this morning.

    Traffic along the Bulwer Avenue

  7. Is Jersey prepared for Brexit?

    Chris Quevatre
    BBC News Online

    Yes, according to the minister in charge of Jersey's outside relationships.

    Speaking to the scrutiny panel, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache said that the island may have to wait to find out what the impact of Brexit might be, but that they are prepared.

    Article 50Reuters

    He said his department is focused on trying to make sure Jersey's voice is heard in the negotiations, but that until the UK triggers Article 50, it's difficult to know what changes are on the way.

  8. Voting opens in by-election

    Voting has opened in the Vale by-election.

    To cast your vote, head to either the Scout Headquarters at Rue Mainguy or to the Vale Douzaine Room on Maraitaine Road.

    You've got until 20:00.

    Rue Mainguy polling station

  9. Weather in the Channel Islands

    BBC Weather

    Here's a look at today's weather.

    It's looking like a dry day in Guernsey...

    Weather chart

    But ever-so-slightly warmer in Jersey...

    Weather chart

  10. Rates could be charged on States buildings

    BBC Radio Jersey

    Some Jersey parishes could be hundreds of thousands of pounds better off if the States starts paying rates on the buildings it owns, figures to be put before the States suggest.

    If a budget proposal is approved, the parish of St Helier will benefit the most with an estimated £600,000 extra a year. 

    St Saviour will get £150,000 a year more and St Brelade will benefit from another £75,000.

    The States can set overall frameworks, get the laws right, and then they're making a contribution along with all other business and residents. The parish can then - with those funds - provide the quality of life and the everyday services which are required."

    Geraint Jennings, Procureur du Bien Public

  11. Travel in the Channel Islands

    BBC Travel

    The Commodore Clipper is running to a revised schedule today, you can find it here.

    Jersey

    • In St Helier, there's a lane closed on the Avenue westwards between First Tower and West Park
    • Also in St Helier, Broad Street is closed outside Barclays - so you can't continue round the one-way system that goes past Broadlands Estates and the side of the States building
    • There are temporary traffic lights in St Brelades Bay, from by the Beau Rivage to the St Brelades Bay Hotel
    • La Rue du Presbytere in Trinity is closed to southbound traffic, between the Parish Hall and the AA box for repairs to a roadside wall
    • There are temporary traffic signals in Grouville on the coast road by La Rocque Tower for cable-laying works by Jersey Electricity

    Guernsey

    • The temporary lights on Salerie Corner are due to come down this morning
    • A section of Vale Road, just before the halfway junction in St Sampsons, is closed until Saturday
    • In St Peter Port, the Val des Terres will remain closed until the first week of November
    • In St Martins, Saumarez Road is still closed for another month
    • In St Peter Port, Les Amballes will stay closed for another month for gas repairs
    • Pleinheaume Road is closed until tomorrow for electricity, gas and water works
    • The Rue A L'Or off Kings Road is closed for nine days

  12. 'A third of children overweight'

    Chris Quevatre
    BBC News Online

    The latest childhood obesity figures show nearly a third of Guernsey children aged nine and 10 are overweight. 

    That's one of the key findings to come out of a child measurement programme run in the island's schools. 

    Each year the height and weight of year one and year five pupils are recorded, to help paint a picture of local obesity levels.

    An overweight child eating a burger.Thinkstock

  13. Local Live in the Channel Islands

    Chris Quevatre
    BBC News Online

    Good morning and welcome to BBC Local Live in the Channel Islands.

    We'll be here until 18:00 tonight, bringing you all the latest news, sport, travel and weather for Jersey and Guernsey.