Closing runway gets a mixed reaction

PASSENGERS and local businesses find the prospect of airport closures concerning – but believe they are necessary.

That was the reaction of the majority spoken to yesterday.

It emerged this week that the airport could close for eight days in two-day stages for runway upgrading and airlines instantly rounded on the Public Services Department, demanding a change of plan.

Repairs are expected to start next year and take about two years.

Most of the work will be carried out overnight but reconstruction of the western end, runway crossings for surface water drains and excavation of material close to the landing strip will require the airport to close, PSD says.

While a passenger from Alderney said the work had to be done and would impact on some people, a businessman who asked not to be named thought it would cut Guernsey off.

Blue Islands and Healthspan Leisure head of marketing Trish Grover said any closure would be a concern for hoteliers. Healthspan Leisure runs the Fermain Valley, the Sunnycroft and Braye Beach in Alderney.

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