Short-term fix for Alderney’s pontoon
ALDERNEY’S pontoon problems should be sorted out by the end of the week, according to the General Services Committee chairman.
The seaward pile to which the pontoon was tethered has been weakened by rust, forcing the Braye Harbour authorities to remove the pontoon and require visitors to use the ladder on the commercial quay to disembark.
The severity of the rust problem was reported to the GSC by the harbour master at the beginning of last year and a shortened pontoon structure was put in place as a temporary measure.
Alderney States member Alex Snowdon has submitted a formal question on the issue to GSC chairman Boyd Kelly, ahead of tomorrow’s States meeting, in which he asks him to outline the issues around the pontoon and why there was no action taken before the failings. He also calls for ‘a full review into harbour management’.
Mr Snowdon said that the problem was causing major reputational damage and that he believed it was responsible for boat visitor numbers dropping over the last couple of weeks.
‘If you’re an older person or someone with reduced mobility, this is effectively a barrier to entry,’ he said.
‘It’s unacceptable and it’s gone on too long.’
Mr Kelly said he did not agree with Mr Snowdon’s assertion of reputational damage, though he added: ‘I admit it’s slightly embarrassing.’
He said he would give further details in his formal answer during tomorrow’s States meeting.
Guernsey firm Siteweld has been contracted to fix the problem this week, during the low spring tides. Mr Kelly said that all being well, this should solve the problem in the short term.
However, he said the committee would also be seeking a more permanent solution.
