Guernsey crane project to affect parking from mid-July

Preparatory work on the compound began at the end of May, with the removal of part of the car park wall

A project to replace four of St Peter Port harbour's five cranes will close commuter access to a section of the island's largest car park from 16 July.

The date was announced earlier by the Public Services Department, which secured £13.7m of funding for the project from the States in February.

The freight compound required for the work will occupy 195 parking spaces, so 160 are being provided on the East Arm and 25 on the Castle Emplacement.

The project is due to finish in 2014.

Work began in May to remove a section of the car park's south wall.

The use of alternative harbour areas for parking will mean the loss of 40 port permit spaces, which has drawn criticism from the Guernsey Marine Traders Association.

Public services minister Paul Luxon said his department had consulted widely.

"Everyone acknowledges this project is essential because we all rely on goods that come through the harbour," he said.

"We believe we have struck the right balance between the ongoing harbour requirements and the needs of port users, shoppers and commuters while these works are under way."