Alderney Airport plans move to next phase

The States of Guernsey said two costed proposals had undergone initial technical review

Plans to upgrade the airport in Alderney have moved to the next phase - but the States of Guernsey said the runway still needed to be designed.

Two costed proposals by Alderney's Policy & Finance Committee (P&R) have been reviewed, but the States said more technical work was needed before contractors could be brought in.

A policy letter from P&R is set to be sent to the States of Deliberation by the end of the year, recommending a faster tender process.

The States of Guernsey said delivering a functional airport in Alderney remained a priority and the work being done was necessary to ensure the final runway could be licensed.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, president of P&R, said she recognised "the urgency of this project and its importance in maintaining public confidence in Alderney".

She added: "We look forward to continued collaboration with Alderney to deliver the project as efficiently as possible, including looking at options such as joint funding, resulting in infrastructure that serves the Bailiwick's interests."

The asphalt runway and taxiway was recently refurbished as part of a £460,000 project.

The week-long patching work at the airport saw aerodrome pavement specialists carry out the repairs.