Runway decision is welcomed but delay fears linger

BUSINESSES and airport user groups have welcomed the States' decision to repair the runway.

However, they do not want an amendment that has forced the project to come back before the States after the tender process to cause delays.

Treasury minister Charles Parkinson placed it.

Guernsey International Business Association chairman Paul Meader approved of the move but called for progress.

'Asking Public Services to return to the States for a final sign-off is a prudent and sensible measure, but not one that should be used to delay these repairs further.'

Mr Meader said the price of the project was justified.

'The £81m. is a large cost to the island, but this is a front-line service and one that is vital to the success of the island,' he said.

'As a world-class finance centre and for business generally, we could not operate without a sustainable and safe international air link.'

Guernsey Airport Consultative Committee independent chairman Dudley Jehan said it was about time.

'We are delighted that a decision appears to have been made,' he said.

'Of course, the Public Services Department has to go back to the States when the tender is complete and on past history the States has been known to prevaricate.'

He had been concerned that the States had not taken a recorded vote on the subject, so he was not clear on the level of support.