States defer Guernsey Airport runway land decision

A decision on the fate of the field has been delayed until the States' February meeting

The States of Guernsey has decided to delay debate until February on the compulsory purchase of land to allow the airport runway project to go ahead.

The majority of members voted to defer the debate to allow more time for all the information to be considered.

The £81m project involves work on the runway, safety area, taxiway, airfield lighting and other operational systems.

The Public Services Department suggested delaying its own motion so another report could be prepared.

Minister Bernard Flouquet said: "If members have concerns that they do not have enough information there is a risk that they will feel obliged to vote against it.

"This would put back the whole project by many, many months - something we can ill afford given the age of the existing runway and the critical importance of our airport."