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Plans to sell Guernsey rectory

St Martin's parish constables say repairs to the rectory building would be a financial burden on ratepayers.

The St Martin's Rectory on the Grande Rue is empty and the roof is covered in scaffolding.

The parish vicar and his family have left the island, one of several church figures to step down this year.

Senior parish constable Dave Beausire says 'currently it is not fit to house anybody.'

Repairs and ongoing maintenance are estimated to be at least £150,000, which he says places an unnecessary financial burden on ratepayers.

Instead, the parish wants to sell the rectory and buy another building that does not need maintenance.

Mr Beausire says in 2029 they will not be obliged by law to put up the vicar and so the building could be rented out as a parish asset.

This will be discussed at a meeting on 24 September, but Mr Beausire warns of the consequences of the sale being blocked:

"If we do not get approval to sell the Rectory, then we are left with no choice other than to increase rates for the work needed to make it safe and inhabitable, which is not something we are comfortable with."

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