Westminster MP visits Alderney
THE challenges and opportunities facing Alderney were discussed during a visit to the island by the minister responsible for the UK government’s constitutional relationship with the Crown Dependencies.
Mike Freer’s visit on Thursday included meeting States members and senior civil servants and having a tour of the island.
Among the stops on his itinerary were Lager Sylt and the Hammond Memorial, the airport, hospital and harbour office.
He also had lunch with representatives of the island’s Chamber of Commerce and paid a visit to an Age Concern social afternoon in the Island Hall.
‘It has been a pleasure to visit Alderney and meet with the president and States members to better understand the challenges facing the island and their plans for the future,’ said Mr Freer.
‘I was very moved by my visit to Lager Sylt – the site of a Nazi forced-labour camp during the Second World War – and by my visit to the Hammond Memorial. The visit has reaffirmed the historic ties between Alderney and the UK.’
Sea and air transport, healthcare, education and housing were among the topics discussed with States members.
‘The minister was very interested in how we are delivering the Island Plan, especially as regards transport and the importance of the rehabilitation of the runway,’ said Policy & Finance committee chairman Nigel Vooght.
‘It was also particularly pleasing to see the level at which our officers engaged with the Ministry of Justice team, as our relationship with the MoJ is extremely important to Alderney.’
Alderney States president William Tate said it had been a pleasure to host the minister and have the opportunity to showcase Alderney and demonstrate its uniqueness, ‘and what a close-knit, caring community we are’.
