BBC Weather

Tonight will be mainly dry with long clear spells, although cloud is likely to start to thicken from the west towards the end of the night.

Minimum Temperature: 2-5C (36-41F).

Following a mainly fine start it will stay generally dry through Saturday morning with cloud will thicken.

Rain will then push in from the west through the afternoon. Windy and milder.

Maximum Temperature: 6-9C (43-48F).

Sunday will be cold and windy with periods of sunshine and localised snow flurries.

BBC Radio Guernsey

Eight bales of hay were removed from a field in Ruette De La Tour, the Castel, without the owner's permission, say Guernsey Police.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 01481 725111 or anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

A traffic light damaged in a crash on Guernsey east coast last night is still safe, despite being "somewhat less than vertical," the States said.

Traffic and Highway Services said arrangements are being made to carry out repairs to the light near Admiral Park, but an engineer confirmed the light is currently safe, despite its wonkiness.

Image source, States of Guernsey Traffic and Highway Services

Live coverage of the States of Jersey meeting from BBC Radio Jersey.

BBC Radio Guernsey

Guernsey Police are appealing for information after a cyclist was hit by a car on a St Martin road on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred about 07:30 at the junction next to the Fermain Tavern.

The cyclist was hit by a car described as a white Mitsubushi Evo with a white spoiler, tinted rear windows and silver rimmed wheels.

Police would like to speak to the driver of that vehicle, or anyone in the area who may have witnessed the incident.

You're asked to contact police or Crimestoppers, anonymously.

BBC Radio Guernsey

A further forensic examination is due to take place next week to try to determine how a Latvian man whose remains were found in a burnt out car, died.

Mr Alps' remains were identified last month and today it was confirmed a "sombre" letter handed to police which gave detailed instructions relating to his possessions, was written by Mr Alps.

Guernsey Police Chief Officer Patrick Rice said the examination is due to take place on 13 February.

"This was the earliest date this examination could be carried out, as the UK Home Office Pathologist requested the presence and input of an additional expert.

"It is hoped that we will have further information after that work has been completed."

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Guernsey's chief police officer has re-iterated there is "no evidence" between dead man Mikus Alps' car being found burnt-out in Guernsey and his activity in Ukraine.

Mr Alps' remains were identified last month and today it was confirmed a "sombre" letter handed to police which gave detailed instructions relating to his possessions, was written by Mr Alps.

Image source, Facebook/8th Battalion of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army

Investigating officers previously said there was no evidence linking the incident and Mr Alps' involvement with an anti-Russian movement in Ukraine, something the force has re-affirmed today.

Guernsey Police Chief Officer Patrick Rice said: "Following the result of the handwriting examination, I would again repeat that at this stage there is no evidence linking Mr Alps’ activity in Ukraine with his car being found burnt-out in Guernsey."

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

A "sombre and reflective" letter handed to Guernsey Police was written by Mikus Alps, officers have confirmed.

Mr Alps' remains were found in a burnt-out car last month.

Image source, Guernsey Police

Patrick Rice, Guernsey Police Chief Officer said: "We have received confirmation from a UK handwriting expert that the letter handed into police, which was sombre and reflective in nature and gave detailed instructions relating to Mr Alps’ possessions, was written by Mr Alps.

"A further forensic examination is due to take place on 13 February in the UK, to try and help determine cause of death," Mr Rice added.

Sue Coryndon
Broadcast Journalist, BBC Radio Guernsey

A number of seabirds are being washed ashore in Guernsey covered in a clear sticky substance, animal welfare charity the GSPCA says.

Image source, GSPCA

Manager Steve Byrne says recent stormy weather may have stirred substances from the seabed to the surface.

Islanders are being asked to look out for more injured birds and to bring them to the GSPCA's animal shelter or the nearest vet, if possible.

Mr Byrne says it's important to avoid touching the substance, described as being like "clear glue or oily".

The best way to catch a bird is to throw a towel or something similar over it's head and keep it in darkness until you can get professional help, he says.

BBC Radio Jersey

Pay reforms put forward by the States of Jersey, external will see £37m invested to create a fairer and more consistent pay structure, the chairman of the States Employment Board says.

Members of Unite, which represents manual workers and other staff, overwhelmingly rejected new pay and conditions, describing the government as "austerity-obsessed".

But Senator Andrew Green says it's a fair deal, which will see only 200 public sector staff taking pay cuts after 2020.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Romantic phrases have been added to an app for people wanting to expand their Guernsey French vocabulary.

Image source, Guernsey Museum

Why not try this one out?

T'es mon solael, ma leune et toute mes eteiles.

In English: You are my sun, my moon and all of my stars.

Or if that's a bit tricky, just shorten to: T'es mon solael.

If you'd like to expand your repertoire to include an invitation to cuddle, or perhaps slip in a reference to a fairy ring, details on how to download the app are available here., external

BBC Radio Jersey

Jersey could be heading for a spring of industrial action, as States employees react angrily to their latest pay deals.

Members of Unite, which represents manual workers and other staff, overwhelmingly rejected new pay and conditions while some teachers say it's outrageous they have been forced to accept a 2% pay rise.

Unite regional secretary Peter Hughes said the government was "austerity-obsessed" and was making its workers suffer.

He said: "Unite members have had enough and sent a clear message that they will not accept plans which could lead to pay freezes and pay cuts alongside detrimental effects to their pensions and collective bargaining arrangements."

The chairman of the States Employment Board says the pay deal is about fairness, with only 200 public sector staff taking pay cuts after 2020.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Jersey businesses are reporting a largely positive picture for the final three months of 2017, according to figures released today. , external

The Jersey Business Tendency Survey shows business activity increased 5% in the three months to December.

Six out of the eight current indicators were positive, with only profitability and input costs negative.

New business and optimism indicators also improved on the previous quarter.

BBC Radio Guernsey

Major planning policy changes to Alderney's greenbelt have been amended to further protect the island's heritage sites.

The Alderney Wildlife Trust, the Alderney Bird Observatory, and the Alderney Society have welcomed revisions to the island's Land Use Plan, external, which they say will strengthen the protection of natural history and heritage sites.

The island is home to two nature reserves, an internationally important wetlands site,, external and many former World War Two sites, including the only concentration camp on British soil.

But Roland Gauvain from the wildlife trust said he would be pushing to see if the island's government is able to enforce conservation protection on privately owned sites of "national or international importance".

"We're looking to push that little bit harder and see if the States are willing to tie themselves to something that really shows the island to be a showcase for the natural and heritage world."

The changes are still subject to political approval.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

A German MEP says a special committee launched by the EU Parliament, external will look into whether some countries or jurisdictions received "unjustified special treatment" as part of the EU's first ever consolidated tax blacklist, drawn up in December.

Jersey and Guernsey were omitted from the first ever consolidated list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, or tax havens, but warned to make changes within a year.

Governments in the Channel Islands said the omission was the result of their commitment to tax transparency.

Image source, Reuters

German MEP Sven Geigold said the new tax blacklist "lacks credibility and transparency" and the committee would demand full access to all documents.

The European Council, which drew up the list, said it was already proving its worth. , external

Mr Geigold said: "We will assess whether some countries or jurisdictions received unjustified special treatment.

"The mistakes of the tax haven blacklist may not be repeated. It is totally unacceptable that the EU’s blacklists do not include the most important places in the world of shadow finance.

"In the context of Brexit the committee will give particular attention to the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories," he added.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

A newly-formed EU committee set up in the wake of the Paradise Papers will give "particular attention" to the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.

The European Parliament yesterday launched Taxe 3, external, a year-long inquiry into financial crime, tax evasion and avoidance.

The inquiry has been set up with the intention of building on the work of prior committees set up following other high profile leaks such as the Panama Papers, and will consider the application of EU VAT rules, national schemes providing tax privileges, and the digital economy.

German MEP Sven Giegold, who negotiated its mandate, said the committee will give "particular attention" to the Crown Dependencies in the context of Brexit.

Low-tax jurisdictions Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man were not included in a list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, or tax havens, drawn up by EU finance ministers in December. Channel Island governments said the omission was "fully justified".

The EU committee's mandate will be to "analyse and assess the third-country dimension in financial crimes, tax avoidance and tax evasion practices", including probing the exchange of information.

The Guardian

The European Parliament has voted to launch an inquiry into financial crime, tax evasion and tax avoidance, saying the Paradise Papers had revealed the “unfinished work” needed to secure fair taxation., external

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Despite house prices recovering in the final six months of 2017, the average value of Guernsey's local market properties fluctuated significantly in the space of a year, figures released show., external

Image source, States of Guernsey

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

House prices in Guernsey rose again in the final three months of 2017, taking the average price to £424,524.

Prices were up 0.3%, after a growth of 1.2% in the three months to September.

In the space of a year house prices have risen more than £10,000.

The figures, based on local market sales, have been released by the States,, external along with data on the island's open market, which showed 18 transactions in the final three months of the year.

Guernsey Press

Guernsey could enjoy a Brexit bonus if Theresa May’s government provides more "dynamic" support for the City of London, a visiting economist has said., external