Ben Chapple
BBC News Online

Aurigny and Blue Islands have already cancelled flights until lunchtime tomorrow as the island prepares for a red snow warning, says Guernsey's director of ports Colin Le Ray.

He said this would allow the airport staff to concentrate on snow clearing activity with work set to start in the early hours of tomorrow morning

Mr Le Ray said: The forecast accumulations together with the risk of freezing rain make any reasonable predictions on reopening very difficult, however, regular updates as to progress will be released tomorrow."

He said passengers should check the airport website for updates, but it was safe to assume that Thursday's early flights would not operate.

The winding up of the investment fund that owns Condor Ferries will not impact on its operations, according to the company's chief executive officer.

The firm provides lifeline passenger and freight services to the Channel Islands from the UK and France.

Image source, Jon Le Ray

Paul Luxon said: "MEIF2 [Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund II] is a closed end fund, which, as it nears the end of its natural life, is in the process of conducting an orderly divestment of its portfolio.

"There are a number of mechanisms that exist in the fund’s governing documents to facilitate this. As a result, there will be no impact to the operations of Condor or any other asset held by MEIF2."

• Politician re-assures public on Condor 'sale'
• 'Impossible to predict impact of Condor sale'

Ben Chapple
BBC News Online

The States of Jersey Police have warned islanders not to travel on the roads unless 'essential'.

Officers say if the journey is necessary then drivers should follow these tips:

• Try to manoeuvre gently and avoid sudden braking or acceleration
• Drive in the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin
• Allow extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
• Drive slowly, it can take 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions than in dry, fine weather
• If you do have to brake: get into a lower gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently
• If you start to skid: ease off the accelerator, but do not brake suddenly
• Prepare before you set off on your journey: make sure you clear all windscreens and windows; tell someone where you are going; make sure that you keep essential items in your car in case of a breakdown such as - a blanket, some warm clothing, a hot drink and a torch are a good idea
• Winter sun can be blinding, so always keep a pair of sunglasses in the car
• Check the condition of your vehicle before you set out
• Make sure your lights, mirrors, windows and roof are clean and free from snow and ice: snow can move off your roof into the path of the vehicle behind you
• Keep your battery charged, add anti-freeze to the radiator during winter months and make sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order
• Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and check them regularly

Ben Chapple
BBC News Online

Blizzard and heavy snow predicted for Guernsey tonight means it's "highly unlikely" it would be safe for pupils and staff on Thursday.

Due to the red snow warning all States-run schools will be closed.

Ben Chapple
BBC News Online

Jersey police are urging islanders to only make "essential journeys" tomorrow as Jersey Met has issued a red snowing warning, external.

The warning comes with predictions of heavy snow, strong winds and freezing rain coming in from the early hours of tomorrow morning.

The weather forecast means all of Jersey's schools will be closed on Thursday.

Ch Insp Beechey also asked islanders to "think about any elderly or vulnerable neighbours and perhaps pop in to check on their welfare".

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Guernsey and Jersey's governments are working together to better understand EU demands for tax transparency, the island's chief minister said.

Image source, Reuters

In December, both islands were told to address concerns the bloc had around offshore structures which "attract profits without real economic activity".

Without making changes the islands could find themselves on an EU tax blacklist later this year.

In an update to the States of Guernsey, Deputy Gavin St Pier said Guernsey and Jersey were working together on the issue of economic "substance" - and how it was defined - as part of an OECD voluntary group.

He said: "The Policy and Resources Committee will need to ensure that resources can be deployed to assist with the necessary research, analysis and development of a proposed solution to the issue of 'substance'."

Jersey's Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst previously said discussions in the area could include creating enhanced reporting obligations or "changes to our legislation on economic substance".

BBC Radio Jersey

All islanders should understand the implications of changing the rules on organ donation, a Jersey scrutiny panel has warned.

Planned changes could see islanders having to carry a card saying you do not want your organs donated after death, rather than the current opt-in scheme.

Panel chairman Deputy Richard Renouf said organ donation was a "wonderful way" to save someone's life, however, there were sensitivities that needed to be considered.

"It is an emotive subject, and obviously people are going through very tragic circumstances when this question arises.

"So we want to know and be assured that the process will be handled professionally and that the conversations that will be had with members of the family are done in a sensitive, understanding way."

He'd like to hear the public's views on opt-out organ donation ahead of questioning the island's health minister next Thursday.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Condor's freight and passenger ship, the Clipper, is not sailing to Guernsey later today, instead returning from Jersey to Portsmouth.

The boat will also only sail to Jersey tomorrow, missing out the Guernsey leg.

Tomorrow's inter-island sailings on the Rapide have also been cancelled. , external

BBC Radio Jersey

St Helier parishioners will decide tonight whether to spend £8.3m on extending St Ewolds Residential Home.

At the moment, the home has 60 rooms for single residents, and three suites for couples.

The Parish wants to add more bedrooms for nursing patients, and to care for those with dementia.

Constable Simon Crowcroft will ask for approval of the scheme at the Parish Assembly tonight.

It starts at 19:00 at the Town Hall.

Twitter

Simon Fairclough
Guernsey Political Reporter

Political veteran Peter Roffey has been elected president of the committee with responsibility for States procedure.

Deputy Roffey secured 19 votes against Deputy John Gollop's 17, to become president of The States Assembly and Constitution Committee.

Deputy Roffey intends to shake up the system which governs politicians conduct, telling deputies the current system was "not fit for purpose, and major reforms are going to be needed".

"Maybe not so much in the code itself, although I think it needs tweaking and updating, but in the system of enforcing that code and dealing with complaints."

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

With snow expected to fall overnight, Jersey Airport is warning air passengers to expect disruption tomorrow.

Ports of Jersey says it has contingency plans in place, including de-icing of runways, stands, aircraft and public footpaths.

It said: "With conditions due to worsen in the UK, affecting a number of airports, this is also likely to impact on Jersey, including the cancellations of some services."

Alderney's runaway was covered in snow earlier, while Guernsey's was cleared after a number of hours.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Jersey schools will close tomorrow, with up to 8cm (3 in) of snow forecast to fall., external

Following an emergency planning meeting, the Education Department said it had taken an early decision to close schools because of the weather.

"Liberty Bus has advised that school buses will not be running in these conditions and the police and other services have supported the school closure on safety grounds," a spokeswoman said.

She added: "We will take advice tomorrow about the conditions expected for Friday and will update you as soon as possible about arrangements for schools on Friday."

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

The potential sale of Condor Ferries will be closely monitored by Guernsey's government, the island's economic development minister has told his fellow politicians.

Under rigorous questioning, Deputy Charles Parkinson claimed the investment fund that owns Condor will be coming to the end of its life in May, indicating a potential sale. He also conceded it would be impossible to predict the impact of a change in ownership at present.

However, he said he'd had re-assurances from Condor that any sale by its owner will not impact its operations.

Image source, Condor Ferries

Deputy Parkinson said: "It's clearly in the strategic interests of Guernsey that there continues to be a ferry service, particularly northbound to the mainland - that is the route by which most of our groceries, for example, arrive on the island.

"We are in discussion with Condor and Macquarie - we will remain in close contact with them as their process develops, and clearly we have an interest in it."

The BBC has contacted Condor's owner, Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund II, to confirm if it plans to sell the company.

Rob Byrne
BBC News Online

Guernsey politicians have raised concerns in the island's parliament about a potential sale of Condor Ferries, the provider of lifeline passenger and freight services to the Channel Islands.

Economic Development President Charles Parkinson claimed the Macquarie fund which owns Condor will come to the end of its life in May, but was assured the "orderly disvestment" of the fund would not impact the operations of the ferry company.

However, under dogged questioning from Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher, he conceded a potential sale would create uncertainty.

Deputy Parkinson said: "That will likely take place in the next 18-24 months, but at this stage, without any knowledge of any parties that Macquarie may be engaged it's impossible for us to predict what the impact of that might be."

The BBC has approached Condor's owner, Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund II, to confirm if the ferry firm is being sold.