Features

As planners prepare a strategy for the way the island will look in 2035 we asked today’s seniors what issues they think need addressing for future generations.

Whilst the majority of the members of the Eastern Good Companions Club thought Jersey was a wonderful place to live, there were a number of problems that they believe society faces.

The main areas of concern for these mature residents were overcrowding, overdevelopment and safety.

“I used to go out to the cinema twice a week - I wouldn’t dare go now,” said another, “I never go out at night at all”.

“You’re not safe in the day let alone at night,” felt one resident.

There were others who felt that no one really listened to the island’s senior generation:

“All the emphasis goes on children, children, children – the elderly people have to come second and no one listens.”

However, one lady thought that young people have a worse reputation than many of them deserve:

“They always knock the children but they’re not all bad as people tend to think they are.”

If these pensioners had their way they’d see more police on the beat and people would take sit up and take note of what they say:

“I think it would be lovely if we could all get together and voice our opinions and people would take notice of what we say – because we’ve had long life experience of doing things.”

Tune in to BBC Radio Jersey on Friday morning when some of their comments will be put to one of the Ministers responsible for putting strategies in place for Jersey’s future, Senator Philip Ozouf.