The States of Guernsey could be forced into making a decision about Alderney’s airport and runway by the end of this year.
The States of Alderney – including the two representatives in the States of Guernsey – have said the island needs assurances about the matter as it is critical to its future.
Alderney’s Policy and Finance Committee has worked with States Members Alex Snowdon and Edward Hill to plan three amendments that the pair have lodged for debate next week when the States of Guernsey again discuss the rehabilitation of Alderney’s airport and runway.
Each of the amendments tries different ways to confirm work on the airport and runway, with one calling “for a solution to be delivered to the States of Deliberation by December 2025”.
Each of the amendments covers the proposed Bailiwick Commission, that the States of Guernsey wants to set up to look at the relationships between Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark more widely.
Chairman of P&F, Bill Abel said whatever the outcome of work by the Bailiwick Commission in the future, Alderney’s airport and runway cannot be left any longer.
He is backing States Members Snowdon and Hill’s attempts to find a resolution sooner rather than later.
“As the Policy Letter highlights, any further delay to the runway rehabilitation means there is an increased risk of airport closures. This could not only limit the essential services the island needs to survive, but also the long-term sustainability of Alderney’s, and thus the Bailiwick’s economy.
“We are therefore seeking a solution to this as soon as possible and the opportunity for Alderney to be a contributing stakeholder and not simply a consulted party.
“The Bailiwick Commission is a positive way forward and P&F fully support the establishment of that Commission. Further to this, it has been requested via an amendment that it not only reviews the constitutional and working relationships, but also the economic one as well.”