Guernsey Airport's runway project drop-ins held

Mr Ruddock, from Mott MacDonald, said the runway work was essential

Public drop-ins are being held to allow islanders to ask questions about the plans for improvement works to Guernsey Airport's runway safety areas.

The £81m project approved by the States includes the reconstruction of the runway and the extension of the current boundaries to the west.

A report published earlier this month by consultants Mott MacDonald found the planned improvements were essential.

Graham Ruddock, its author, is one of those on hand to answer questions.

The report found the necessary extensions could only be achieved within the existing boundaries by shortening the current runway, which it concluded would have a serious and unacceptable impact on local air links.

Mott MacDonald also investigated using a collapsible concrete system, called EMAS and designed to bring an aircraft overrunning the runway to a controlled halt, estimating it would cost more than £6m than the current plans.

Public Services Minister Bernard Flouquet, whose department is responsible for the project, said every aspect was being planned in great detail.

He said: "This is one of the most complex and extensive engineering projects that has ever been seen locally.

"I am sure that there are many aspects which islanders want to learn about or understand better, and the drop-in will be an opportunity for them to do this."

Mr Ruddock, Guernsey Airport management and Public Services' project design consultants are all due to be available at the drop-ins.

They are due to be held in the airport's conference room, upstairs in the terminal building, from 1200-2000 GMT on Thursday 17 February and 1200-1700 GMT on Friday 18 February.