02/06/2014 BBC Channel Islands News

Sophie Hutchinson$ BBC New3. That's all from us.

A 15 year battle over a Jersey headland could finally be rdsolved.

The owners of the former Pontins site at Plemont have agreed to sell

it to the National Trust for Jersey for ?7.15 million. Back in 0998 the

Back in 1998, the owners applied to knock down the

unsuccessful planning applications, a scheme for 28 homes finally got

After years of unsuccessful planning applications, is keen for 28 homes

finally got the go`ahead in November 2012. Soon afterwards, the States

were asked to purchase the land to hold any development there `nd

return it to nature. Politicians rejected the move by a single vote.

The National Trust has the option to buy the land but needs the States to

pay half. For sale. 15 acres of beauthful

north coast real estate. With uninterrupted sea views. Pl`nning

for 28 homes. A private gatdd entrance. And all for just over ?7

million. But there can only be one The owners of this controversial

plot of headland have offerdd the National Trust for Jersdy one

last chance to purchase the land They have half the money, and want

the States to use ?3.5 millhon of Given what it will achieve hn terms

of safeguarding a key part of our north coast, and that is thd way to

look at it, it is not just `bout Plemont, I feel it represents

incredibly good value. And for a local charity to put up somd money,

it is too good to miss. But the Senator who has lodged

the proposition again today thinks Many of the uncertainties that were

the trouble two years ago h`ve now disappeared. We have a fixed price

and the owner wishes to sell. There's no question of comptlsory

purchase. I hope members will support it.

But is a nature reserve the best use of states' fin`nces?

The best part of 2000 peopld still unemployed, lots of things that this

money should be spent on, and not about reserving some grass.

The vendors are keen for a quick sell.

the States have until Septelber to decide if they want to invest.

If they don't, Plemont will be taken off the market and thd area

Meanwhile, Jersey's Planning Minister,

Deputy Rob Duhamel, has another idea for funding the National Trtst's

plans, and is considering lodging a formal amendment.

I think the better way forw`rd would be in the light of heavy

expenditures that will have to be made for hospitals, housing, and for

other services to perhaps consider not gifting the money but offering

the National Trust a facility to be loaned the money.

And you can read more onlind at bbc.co.uk/jersey.

Jersey's Royal Court's been hearing how a former Constable allegedly

used parish funds to buy itdms including things for his second home

Graeme Butcher, who was Constable of St John's for nearly fivd years,

is charged with 15 counts of misconduct in a public office.

The prosecution's been laying out its case this morning,

saying his actions, including buying items such as timber,

an oven and computer equipmdnt with parish funds, weren't to get rich

Mr Butcher denies all the charges against him.

The trial's expected to last all week.

A gun used by armies and police forces around the world has gone

A Glock pistol like this was left by a member of the public

A major overhaul of Guernsex's government could see the

Policy Council scrapped, and the number of deputies reduced.

The suggestions come in a rdport out today, after 18 months of work

to look at whether the currdnt system of government is working

Policy Council meetings like this one would be no more.

Instead a new Policy and Resources Committee taking on the

work as well as that of Tre`sury basically overseeing what the States

But with no added power and instead of 11 politicians on it, just five.

And unlike the Policy Counchl, none of them would sit

Alongside that new senior Policy and Resources Committee there would

be up to nine other princip`l committees,

taking on the jobs of departments like Health and Education.

And a scrutiny committee to check up on what everyone's doing.

And we'd say goodbye to the current Ministers and Chief

Minister and instead have Presidents of each of those committees.

The proposals are a big change from the system we have now.

And if the States approve to thhs next

month, work will continue to try and introduce it by the next eldction.

But some may ask the question, why change anything at all?

Because the review we have carried out has demonstrated a

come the next election, and not just because of who the public votes in.

Newsnight is starting on BBC One. `` BBC Two. I leave you with

Newsnight is starting on BBC One. `` reasonably clear. Tomorrow we are

talking about showers and bake are always hit and miss. But lengthy dry

spells in most places and some sunshine breaking