Parishioners thanked for paying rates on time – mostly!

"I know it's another bill to be paid," he said, "but the funding received is vital if we are to be able to run the parish properly, ensure the rubbish is collected and amenities like the Church, cemeteries and the Douzaine Rooms are maintained plus keep providing street lighting and improving the playground at Les Amarreurs."

He added that although 4,056 had paid by the end of last week, a further 658 were still in arrears.

"This is a problem for us," he said,"because we have an obligation to collect what is legally owed and we don't like chasing people but that is what we have to do if they don't pay on time."

He said this was being issued as a reminder that rates had to be paid and hoped that all those who had not done so yet would now do so promptly.

• The rates bills also contained an important note that "bin night" will be changing over Christmas and New Year period 2023-24.
  Monday 25 December will be moved forward to Saturday the 23rd, so bins and recycling should be set out on Friday 22nd.
  Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th will continue as normal.
  Monday 1st January will also continue as usual.