Residents slam the States for pondering £81m. runway plans

AIRPORT neighbours have condemned Public Services' handling of the runway refurbishment plans.

Those living nearby questioned how States members could decide whether to give the £81m. project the go-ahead before knowing the full impact.

The issue will be debated next week when the department is also likely to come under fire from Treasury because it wants the money without coming back to the States for final approval.

'I cannot comment on whether they should delay the debate,' said resident Gregory Whiteman.

'But it is a fact that the Public Services Department has had nine months since the last debate to undertake a full and detailed study of all the impacts and have failed to do this.

'The department's own words in writing are "an EIA will be the most appropriate and effective means of assessing the proposals".

'This has not yet been done, nor even a baseline assessment of the current airport footprint.

'How can the States then consider each proposal without the full impacts being on the table?'

The residents believe the department has not considered an increase in aircraft noise, visual intrusion and risk of accidents.