Star rider knows which line to cross

ACE motocross rider Dan Robinson can't stop taking the chequered flag in first place. Apprentice mechanic Dan, 16, recently won Guernsey Kart and Motor Club's Inter-Island 85cc Bigwill championship and is on course to take the 125cc title after winning the first three races of the season.

Dan, of Petit Val, said: 'I was really happy to win the championship. It's my first one after two seasons of coming third.'

Dan first became interested in motocross after a friend bought a bike. He was taught the basics at Alderney's scramble track before racing competitively in Guernsey.

Alderney Shipping supports Dan by transporting his Suzuki RM 125cc to and from the island. The company also looks after the bike when it's in Guernsey. Local company ciautomart.com also supports the speedster.

Dan, who would one day like to ride professionally, is hoping to pick up the 125cc championship this year and add to his trophy haul. His dad Richard says no one can move in their house for silverware.

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Hotel owner Steven Syer is urging islanders to work together in order to boost tourism.

Harbour Lights proprietor Steven feels communication between the accommodation sector and the States is vital if more people are to be encouraged to visit.

Steven also believes the island should think seriously about becoming a mini Monte Carlo.

'A tourism meeting has been arranged for March and I think this is an absolutely fantastic idea,' said Steven.

'It is something that could be repeated at set intervals to stimulate communication between the accommodation sector and the States. Just the other day I was speaking to another hotelier and we both felt the lack of communication had led to negative implications.'

Steven thinks Alderney should compile more detailed data from its visitors. He also feels last year's figures don't highlight the plight of hoteliers.

'The statistics provided for airline passengers give no real indication of the percentage rise/fall in tourists. I say this because everyone I speak to says it has never been so quiet but the only statistics available show passenger numbers have only decreased by 3%, which I believe is masking the real drop. A quick survey I carried out shows numbers down a staggering 40%.'

Steven felt the harbour statistics gave a more accurate assessment.

'The statistics for fishing parties appear to reveal the true drop/rise, as it is easy to collect the data. They show a drop in numbers of 44%, which falls in line with my survey. This is a worrying figure, not just for the accommodation sector, but for retail and entertainment as well.'

Steven believes the island should think seriously about building a casino.

'Allowing a casino to be built could save Alderney in much the same way as gambling saved Monte Carlo. I could see people flocking here from Jersey, Guernsey, the UK and France.

It would be good for all business sectors and the tax would pay for a marina and repair the sewers.

'It would also create employment and stimulate the housing market. This is a win-win situation and should be fully explored.'

John Beaman, the States member responsible for tourism, said he was always happy to discuss ideas with members of the accommodation sector.

The tourism meeting will take place on 15 March. Everyone in the industry is invited to attend.