BBC Radio Jersey

Homes could be built on Jersey's green zone to cater for the island's growing population, the environment minister says.

A number of plots have been earmarked for development following a review in 2014, including the Samares Nursery site in St Clement, fields next to St Peter's Village, and land in St Martin.

A new island plan expected in 2020 could also see some additional green space lost, with "a little bit more development" around the heart of countryside villages, according to Deputy Steve Luce.

The plan will, however, strengthen and maintain some areas of the green zone so it becomes "even more difficult" to build in certain areas, he adds.

Gareth Owen
BBC Radio Guernsey

The number of new vehicles registered in Guernsey fell by more than 300 in 2017 compared to the year before, according to the latest data.

States figures show 4,508 new vehicles were registered last year compared 4,832 in 2016.

Naomi Dunning
BBC Radio Jersey, Reporter

Disability discrimination could be outlawed in Jersey by September, as the island's social security minister looks to introduce new laws.

Jersey already protects people from being unfairly treated because of their age, sex or race, however new laws designed to help an estimated 14,000 disabled islanders are due to come into effect later this year.

Deputy Susie Pinel says the changes were drawn up following consultation across the island.

Under them, many businesses are likely to have to make changes, including widening doorways for wheelchair users.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport

Guernsey Raiders kept their place at the top of the London and South East Premier division as they ran in seven tries in a 46-15 win at struggling Southend.

Image source, Martin Gray

Having been 12-0 down early on Jordan Reynolds' men recovered to secure their ninth successive win in the division and keep them six points clear at the top.

Luke Sayer and Owen Thomas each scored two tries while Doug Horrocks, Sam Whitehead and Anthony Armstrong also crossed for scores.

Brent Pilnick
BBC Sport

Jersey's Team Jets extended their unbeaten run to three games after a 43-all draw with relegation rivals Billericay in netball's Premier League Three.

Image source, Steve Lund

The draw at Fort Regent sees the islanders move up to sixth place in the division as their upturn in form continued.

Having lost seven games in a row they have drawn two and won one of their last three games.

Oscar Pearson
BBC Radio Guernsey

Financial analyst and presenter of the BBC's Wake up To Money programme Louise Cooper has questioned the significance of credit rating downgrades, after an agency revised its outlook on Jersey and Guernsey.

"They can influence the cost of borrowing, particularly."

"But since the financial crisis, frankly the number of triple-A-rated countries has reduced substantially. To lose your credit rating is probably quite normal in the current environment because we're all so indebted."

If you want to hear more from Wake Up to Money, you can listen to this morning's programme here.

BBC Radio Jersey

Two religious leaders have urged Jersey politicians not to support a clause in new marriage laws that would allow businesses to refuse to serve same-sex couples getting married.

Reverend Graeme Halls, superintendent of the Methodist Church, and Jayne Ozanne, a member of the Church of England's General Synod, claim the clause would cause division, pain and suffering.

They say the so-called tolerance clause ignores the basic Christian concept of love thy neighbour.

The States is due to debate the laws soon, and will vote on the so-called tolerance clause as a single issue.

BBC Radio Guernsey

It was disappointment for 21-year-old Guernsey musician Mura Masa at 2018 Grammy's at Madison Square Garden, New York, last night.

The artist, whose real name is Alex Crossan, was nominated for two categories: Best Recording Package and Best Dance/Electronic Album.

The singer, producer and musician from Guernsey was honoured by the BBC for his work in 2016.

Bruno Mars won six awards including best album, and the rapper Kendrick Lemar also won five Grammys in its 60th year.

Bringing you the news, sport, travel and weather for the Channel Islands for Monday 29 January to Friday 2 February

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Over the weekend Standard and Poor's downgraded its outlook on both Jersey and Guernsey from "stable" to "negative".

Image source, Reuters

The ratings agency said the islands' creditworthiness had fallen primarily as a result of uncertainty around Brexit.

"External policy uncertainties, including those associated with the slower-than-anticipated progress of the Brexit negotiations and a potential policy shift in the UK, could make it difficult for Jersey to set appropriate policies in response," the agency said.

Both Jersey and Guernsey's ratings remain at AA-/A-1+.