Homeowners’ pass would allow us to visit Alderney

As a homeowner (jointly with my sisters) and Alderney ratepayer, but living in the UK, we have not been able to visit Alderney, due to the pandemic, for a year and a half or more. I appreciate that we could come if we completely isolate for two weeks, and that is the difficulty for us, no exercise is so unhealthy. We had Aurigny bookings, some of which have been refunded, others are credits we hope to use before next April 2021 or the tickets will be lost.

I ask if the States would consider enabling a ‘homeowners’ pass’ where we agree to isolate but are able to leave our house and garden for two hours a day, agreeing that we will not enter any business, shop, pub etc. or any private home, not make any arrangement to socialise with anyone.

I would understand we would need to be checked that we are complying with such an arrangement and to violate it would have a strict penalty.

Members of our family have been coming to Alderney for 65 years, we have a property to check and look after, but we also all have family commitments in England, so it is not possible for us to come for more than two weeks.

We feel we need to be able to come and check all is in order with our house and be ready to make arrangements locally if there is maintenance to be done. We could ensure that food supplies are delivered and not make face-to-face contact with any Alderney people.

Here in the UK we are used to wearing masks in all indoor areas and on public transport, wash or sanitise hands, keep a two-metre distance at all times and restrict our social gatherings to online meetings and occasional visits outdoors with a small group of friends.

We ask if a consideration can be given to homeowners who could visit as above, but at least remain healthy by taking exercise out of the property and agree to ensure no physical contact or socialising takes place for the safety of Alderney residents.

GAVIN MENDHAM

112, Lacey Green,

Wilmslow,

Cheshire.

Also Les Mielles,

Platte Saline,

Alderney.

Editor’s footnote: the President of the States of Alderney declined to comment.