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Sark Electricity to undergo compulsory purchase

Courtney Sargent
BBC White man in a grey suit standing in front of a brown wooden door that has a black sign that says Chief Pleas & Seneschal's Court. There is a white flag pole next to him.BBC
Conseiller John Guille thanked the employees of Sark Electricity Ltd, stating how hard they have worked to keep the islands power running

Sark Electricity Ltd (SEL) is set to be bought by Chief Pleas under a compulsory purchase arrangement.

The government supported the purchase in a vote which saw majority of 10 to three. It was also agreed that the money would come in the form of a loan from the States of Guernsey.

The compulsory purchase will halt a previously planned sale of SEL by its managing director, Alan Witney-Price, to Island Power for more than £2m.

Mr Witney-Price said he had already begun legal proceedings against Chief Pleas.

The decision to move forward with the compulsory purchase of SEL, to ensure the company's survival, is a big win for Chief Pleas.

Conseiller John Guille, chair of Policy & Finance, said "It's a relief. We are all very happy, it's an absolutely crucial milestone.

"We're progressing through compulsory purchase where we didn't want to end up.

"The next step will be to work with Mr Witney-Price to try and jointly appoint a valuer.

Conseiller Mike Locke, chair of Future Energy Committee, said: "I am very pleased not only with the decision but the margin... It's brilliant.

"We do understand conseillers and islanders do have concerns and what to make sure things are absolutely right, we share those concerns.

The Chief Pleas Now has 30 days to jointly agree a valuer to progress to the next stages of the compulsory purchase.

A middle-aged white man looking at the camera. He has short grey hair and a stubble bears. He is wearing a White shirt with red and blue checks
Alan Witney-Price, says he is taking Chief Pleas to court over the compulsory purchase order

Ahead of the meeting, Alan Witney-Price said he was still open to negotiating with Chief Pleas.

He said it had no right to be getting in the way of the sale to Island Power, which was set to be complete on 3 July.

He said "I've written to Chief Pleas six, seven, eight, nine times in the last 10 days.

"Every piece of that correspondence says: 'We're here, reach out, come and have a conversation.'

"I even offered Chief Pleas a partial purchase, as they can't afford the full value of the company.

"They're not interested. They just want to buy it at a discounted value.

A white man in his 60s smiling at the camera. he has grey, set back hair and is wearing a blue T-shirt and grey fleece. He is in his home.
Andy Cook lives in Sark and is worried about financial implications if a case ends up in court

There have been mixed opinions for people living in Sark

Andy Cook said he was worried about the legal action from SEL.

He told BBC News: "My main concern is that the whole issue will end up in a massive court battle with undetermined costs and we won't be quite sure how that's going to pan out."

"One islander who wished to be anonymous said: "If the power cuts out, I have nothing

"My water is linked to the bore hole, so that will be out; no heating, lights and I won't be able to charge my bike.

"I would be stranded. I just want a reliable service.

Another said: "We can't be held to ransom".

Business on Sark rely on the electricity grid to keep doors open.

Bernadette Southern, who works at the Fleur De Jardin, said she was tired with the entire process.

She said: "It's just gone on and on and on. It really has its affecting people.

"I don't think it really matters who owns it. I think the island needs a good service and the electric needs to be at a good price."

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