Guernsey States approve £12 million Alderney runway repairs

The States of Guernsey has approved spending £12 million on improvements to Alderney's runway.

It comes after Alderney politicians demanded there be no more delays to the work last week.

There had been suggestions it would be cost effective to have a ferry service instead, but politicians decided the repairs are crucial for the island to stay connected.

Attempts were also made to put off making a decision until a review into Guernsey's obligations to Alderney has taken place.

Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee put forward an amendment to proposals for the runway repairs, raising the issue of how much Alderney costs the island.

The committee says the deficit amounts to £4000 per person in the Bailiwick. This means the £12.2 million being asked for the runway rehabilitation will equate to £6140 pounds per person.

The project will see the asphalt runway resurfaced and restored to its regulation width, from 18m to 23m, an installation of central lights down the runway and improvements to other lighting and drainage.

The taxiway and apron will also be resurfaced, with completion being scheduled for 2021.