Alderney is not struggling, insists Chamber president
ALDERNEY’S empty shops are not a sign of economic struggle, the island's Chamber of Commerce president has said, after unused spaces have been transformed into public art galleries.
The chamber is currently running the initiative with St Anne’s School, whose pupils have drawn portraits and pictures of animals, including a display of eight penguins, along the island’s Victoria Street.
‘We need to make it look more vibrant in town so we came up with this really positive scheme,’ said chamber president Andrew Eggleston.
‘We’re going to change the artwork every now and again so it’s not just a static display.'
The current pictures will remain in the shops for a month or two and are likely to be replaced by artwork from older students or members of the Alderney Art Club unless new owners take over the premises.
Mr Eggleston added that the empty shops were not an indication of problems in the island.
‘It’s not that bad at all over here, proportionally there aren’t as many empty shops as in St Peter Port,’ he said.
‘Things change all the time in business, I’m not really worried as we have people relocating here as we have no limitations to entry, but all the benefits of living in the Channel Islands.’
Feedback on the displays from residents and visitors has already been positive, he added.
