Airport runway upgrades 'reassuring' for island

2 hours ago

George Thorpe,Channel Islands,

Perisha Kudhail,Alderneyand

John Fernandez,Guernsey political reporter

News image — Beth Chapman, chairwoman of St Anne's School's Parent Teacher Association, said the work needed to be done

BBC Beth Chapman, chairwoman of St Anne's School's Parent Teacher Association. She is stood in an empty playground. She is wearing a grey Parka coat and has a leopard print head band on. — Beth Chapman, chairwoman of St Anne's School's Parent Teacher Association, said the work needed to be done

Plans to spend up to £24m on refurbishing an island airport runway are "incredibly reassuring", residents, businesses and politicians have said.

Deputies at the States of Guernsey voted in favour of the proposals for Alderney Airport on Wednesday with the aim of starting the work in 2027.

The repairs include resurfacing and realigning the main asphalt runway, which is set to be widened from 18m (59ft) to 23m (75.45ft), along with making taxiway improvements.

The next phase of the project will focus on Policy and Resources, the States Trading Supervisory Board and the States of Alderney working together to go out to tender for the work.

Beth Chapman, chairwoman of St Anne's School's Parent Teacher Association, said improvements to the airport were "incredibly important" as it would keep connections to the island active.

She said issues with the current runway had impacted Alderney's businesses.

"It's incredibly reassuring that they've finally taken the plunge and said 'yes, we'll do it'," Chapman said.

"It has to be done as it can't carry on like this.

"For people going on and off the island for medicals, work or family connections it's so incredibly important we have a reliable airline - it's not a luxury here, it's a lifeline."

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Sophie White, director of La Ville Hotel, said since she came to the island 11 years ago, she had seen a "steady decline" with tourism.

She said it was partly due to the reliability of the connectivity of the island.

"It's great news and it's what we've all been waiting for," White said.

"In the short term, we might be facing some challenges, but I think in the long term it can only be positive for the island as a whole and for tourism."

Sophie White stands at the bar of La Ville Hotel in Alderney. She is wearing black dungarees and a maroon top, with a gold medallion. She has black curly hair. Several taps are at the bar including ones for Guiness and Kronenbourg 1664. Bottles of spirit and optics are behind the bar along with fully stocked fridges. — Sophie White said the project would be positive in the long term for Alderney

Edward Hill and Alex Snowdon, Alderney's representatives at the States of Deliberation, said the approved plans were exciting for the island.

However, Hill said it was "only the beginning of what is going to be quite a long story".

"We've still got all the tendering to do and to make sure that it comes in within the price envelope that we agreed," he said.

Edward Hill and Alex Snowdon stand in front of a government building in Guernsey. They are both wearing navy blue suits with blue shirts and ties. Edward is slightly older than Alex. — Edward Hill (l) and Alex Snowdon said they were pleased the plans were approved

Snowdon said it was "really warming and heartening" to get the support for Alderney from Guernsey.

"This is a vital part of bailiwick infrastructure, so it's really essential that this project goes forward," Snowdon said.

"The £24m is a really good indication of the resolution, but we need to make sure the tender process actually comes out with that figure actually delivering £24m or under.

"I think it's really, really important moving forward that the States of Guernsey and Alderney work together to try and find the solutions to get that project in spades in the ground."

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