Time to heed Alderney warnings

Mr Fulford correctly emphasised that the problem lies with our economy and its failure to stimulate sufficient demand to apply upward pressure on property prices through competition among buyers. This situation has to be partially attributed to a dysfunctional government for not addressing the issue of lack of transport links to our island both by sea and air.

We could, if quick enough, pursue an option for the purchase or charter of a possible one of two passenger cargo ferries from Caledonian MacBrayne, either the Isle of Lewis or the Hebridean Isles, two most suitable ships to serve Alderney. This would be a golden opportunity to establish our own passenger-cargo service and for us to link up with Weymouth Council, who in a Guernsey Press article over Christmas 2015 state they may have to close the port if no income is derived from a ferry service.

Another observation relates to a Guernsey Press article dated 20 October 2015, 'Alderney's economy is facing crisis'.

Leading independent economist Professor Geoffrey Wood was speaking as the co-author of Guernsey's latest annual independent fiscal policy review, which painted a bleak picture of Alderney's economic outlook and challenges.

The review warned that a shortage of employment opportunities, combined with a rapidly ageing population, had resulted in a fall in the number of Alderney residents of working age.

2016 is already manifesting all the hallmarks of another disastrous financial year in our economy. £280 full return fare from Southampton, which will not encourage the sale of 2,500 extra seats, the harbour running up an increasing deficit, Carey Olsen closing their Alderney branch and laying off staff, falling freight importation figures, Gloria's restaurant closing, Anchors closing, architect services pulling out of rented premises in Victoria Street, uncertain air links and no indications of an increased passenger ferry service from Guernsey.

Now the condition of the Alderney breakwater is causing concern for the latest marina developer. While it is perfectly laudable for ADL to ask for an extension of their exclusivity agreement, it is totally inexcusable for our government to terminate the relationship with the above company. Or is this just another systemic trait by the States, past and present, of pulling the carpet from under marina proposals?

This practice seems to stem back into the 1972 when the McKenna marina proposal became the first victim of our unsavoury dealings with businessmen. God only knows what message we send out to businesses looking to set up here by this latest blunder from our government, regarding ADL. One has to ask why the States entered into any marina agreement while the security of the breakwater was dubious.

As recently as 1997 the HR Wallingford survey predicted that unless the rubble mound is replenished, the foundation and structure of the breakwater will fail. Why don't we listen to them and address this catastrophic looming event?

The quintessential and paramount procedure of mound replenishment must take place soon unless we wish the warnings of HR Wallingford to come true.

Too much time and money are squandered on fruitless strategies and surveys, commissioned by inept States committees, when the obvious is staring us in the face. It is essential to redirect our precious funds to improving connectivity with the UK now.

Topple the coconut shy of decline, claim the prize Alderney deserves, to enjoy a type of pre-war halcyon day of independence, before she was plunged into darkness by the vagaries of German occupation and the outdated 1948 agreement, both of which we have still not fully recovered from. The do-nothing option threatens our very existence on this wonderful island.

Time to heed the warnings of Professor Wood.

DAVE GILLINGHAM, SNR.