Stories

Tue, 19 May 2026

Tue, 19 May 2026 St Brelade concerns of empty shops and cost of living

People say they are frustrated families have to turn to food banks in a "rich island like Jersey".

* Empty shops in Les Quennevais Parade and Precinct
* Cost of living pressures, including people struggling with high rents and costs
* Lack of investment and maintenance in the area
* High rents charged by commercial landlords based in the UK
* Closure of businesses due to unsustainable rent levels (example: Joe Pinzari's Bean Café)
* Need for a local enterprise centre to support struggling businesses
* Frustration at people having to turn to food banks on a "rich island" like Jersey
* Concerns about social housing and the gap between those with rented and owner-occupied homes
* Desire for environmental protection, particularly in relation to the national park
* Need for price caps on key groceries (eggs, bread, milk) to help address cost of living pressures.