Deputies 'hoodwinked' over runway, claims campaigner

DEPUTIES were hoodwinked into rushing a decision that effectively ruled out alternative runway technology, an anti-airport extension campaigner has claimed.

Martyn Dorey said that although the States on Wednesday voted for the compulsory purchase of land needed to extend the runway end safety areas, the group would not give up the fight - in fact, it could even push for a judicial review.

The vote approved the purchase of a field owned by the Le Messurier family by 29 to 12, despite pressure from the group of concerned residents to consider using Emas (Engineered materials arrestor system) - an alternative that would rule out the need to buy the land. But Mr Dorey said just because they had lost the vote, it did not mean the debate was over.

'I think the first thing we've got to do is have a discussion about the best way to proceed,' he said.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.