Alderney runway delays 'risk future of airstrip'

Further delays to upgrading Alderney's runway could mean it does not meet licensing conditions in the near future, politicians have warned.

Alderney politicians Alex Snowdon and Edward Hill said delays could result in "more stringent and restrictive operating limitations" or "a long-term closure of the airstrip".

The States of Guernsey is preparing to debate the need to rethink plans for the project due to escalating costs.

Snowdon and Hill highlighted the issue in several amendments to proposals aimed at ensuring the project moved forward.

Their proposal said the risk of closure became clear after discussions with Guernsey Ports and the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation.

The BBC has approached both authorities for comment.

The Alderney politicians said there was a "very high risk" it would not meet licensing conditions due to "safety factors".

Under the Guernsey States plans, a commission would be set up to look at the relationship between Guernsey and Alderney.

Snowdon and Hill want to ensure work on the runway continues in the meantime.

"We cannot stress enough that any long-term closure of Alderney Airport would rapidly lead to a serious tailspin of both Alderney's social and economic wellbeing; neither of which would be acceptable to the States," they said.

The debate is due to take place in the States next week.

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