P&R invited to Alderney to ‘find a way forward’

Alex Snowdon – in response to a letter in today’s Guernsey Press from former P&R islands' liaison member Deputy Mark Helyar – emphasised the importance of the islands working together to ‘ensure stability’ and secure a ‘positive’ future for the Bailiwick.

‘We should be taking into account major policy rather than Punch and Judy politics, which isn’t productive for either island,’ he said.

‘This is not panto season. Instead it is essential that decisions are taken in order to strengthen the whole Bailiwick. Any cutting back of vital infrastructure will result in far higher costings in the median and longer term.’

In his letter, Deputy Helyar – a member of the previous P&R which was removed by the States in November 2023 – said he had been left ‘bemused’ by the current committee’s ‘one dimensional, almost contemptuous’ approach towards Alderney’s population, warning that ‘digging more political trenches’ would guarantee a decade of economic stagnation and ‘wasted opportunities’ for the Bailiwick.

Alderney’s airport runway has been back under the spotlight in recent weeks, with a petition by Riduna Radio presenter Ian Taylor calling for resurfacing work to begin in the first quarter of this year having now been signed by almost 1,400 people.

Mr Taylor said that, without Deputy Helyar’s support and that of a ‘growing’ number of other Guernsey deputies, Alderney would be in even greater trouble than what it currently found itself in.

‘Mark is a strong supporter of Alderney and has put his weight behind the disastrous situation we find ourselves in with constant questions over the future connectivity of our island.’

P&R president Lyndon Trott last week said a review of the States’ portfolio of infrastructure projects was needed before it could commit to resurfacing the runway.

Mr Snowdon said he understood a policy letter relating to the Funding & Investment Plan was due to be published this month ahead of a debate on it next month.

He added it was important that the relationship between Guernsey and Alderney was upheld while discussions on areas of mutual interest continued.

‘I would positively welcome the chief minister and other members of P&R to visit Alderney in order to address the way forward in a number of areas for the future of the Bailiwick and meet our new States of Alderney members.’

States of Alderney member Derwent Smithurst, a former pilot with Aurigny, said the island desperately needed investment and new infrastructure, but for that to happen there needed to be confidence in Alderney as a destination.

He called for those involved in discussions to ‘take a step back’ and calm any tensions before deciding how to proceed.

‘Nothing good comes from constant criticism of one another and slanging matches, we can achieve good things but only by working proactively and positively,’ he said.