Airport neighbour claims to have won battle 99-nil
THE States' stance in defending a claim by a couple who say their life was made a misery by work on the runway was frivolous and a vexatious waste of time, the Royal Court has been told.
Ian and Catherine Birnie, who live at Rue de L'Eglise, Forest, opposite the former southern compound, are claiming £524,000 in general damages and incurred costs.
In his closing statement, Mr Birnie, pictured, argued that he and his wife had won their case three years ago. He said they had always dealt with life's problems as if sitting on the net of a tennis court and looking at both sides.
'I think we won this one about 99-0,' he said.
Lt-Bailiff Hazel Marshall QC said that was a matter for the court to decide.
Mr Birnie said his family's dream move to Guernsey 12 years ago had turned into their worst nightmare because of these proceedings and the problems they had suffered with noise, dust, light pollution, smells and vibration.
