Guernsey Ports – or should it be Guernsey Scaffolders?

Guernsey Press articles with photos of 30 January and 21 February, show huge scaffolding canopies covering the airport terminal and the marine services section along Castle Pier. The Guernsey Ports representatives have made no mention of how serious the leaks actually are.

The Castle Pier canopy was constructed last April and Guernsey Ports commented that the timbers, believed to be around the leaking valley gutter, needed to dry out before a full survey/works can take place. How many more months/years will that be?

Again, the airport terminal scaffolding canopy was constructed during 2024, ahead of a roof survey, and is expected to remain for 12 months!

Does this approach not sound ‘back to front’? Are surveyors not to be exposed to the odd drop of rain?

I am reliably informed by those who know scaffolding, that the costs of the Castle Pier canopy, viewable now on Google Earth, already exceeds the annual rental income from the combined current tenants. Why is this allowed to continue without action? Could the Castle Pier valley gutter leaks be fixed in the same way as did a reputable local roofing contractor who fixed the Cheshire Home gutter leaks just before Christmas (without a scaffolding canopy)?

Is this yet another example of the wrong employees making ‘unforeseen circumstance’ decisions. Do they have a financial interest in local scaffolders or is it that already unpopular Health and Safety executive’s tail again wagging the dog (or the taxpayer)?

CLIVE MAIDES

The Strand

Guernsey Ports managing director Ross Coppolo responds:

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your correspondent’s letter. The projects under way at Guernsey Airport and Castle Pier are essential to resolve structural issues with each building. The Castle Pier roof is in a dilapidated condition. The scaffold canopy is providing essential protection to our tenants by preventing significant water ingress. It is the most cost-effective way to protect the premises and maintain income while we review future options.

The scaffolding around Guernsey Airport Terminal was completed in December 2024. It provides safe access and egress to all areas of the upper roof cladding, both landside and airside, which is necessary for a thorough inspection. The findings will inform what remedial works are needed. This will enable us to extend the useful life of the roof structure of what is a critical public building.