Alderney States members have 'no confidence' in Aurigny

Aurigny management described the vote as a "unwarranted attack" on staff and management

Alderney States members have accused the airline Aurigny of neglect and failing to provide an adequate service.

Four Alderney States members have signed a vote of no confidence in the management and staff of the Guernsey government-owned airline.

They specifically target the management of Aurigny, saying the airline damaged the economy and put lives at risk.

In a statement Aurigny said it was an unwarranted attack on staff and management by the members.

Steve Roberts is one of the members to sign the vote of no confidence and said the service had been in decline for years.

He said: "Aurigny are charged with providing an air service for Alderney. In the last three years the management of Aurigny have let Alderney down terribly.

'Lose a life'

"There was a baby born recently that couldn't go [to hospital]. If something went wrong and it needed surgery it couldn't go.

"We could lose a life. It isn't just commerce losing out, not just island wellbeing losing out, we could lose a life."

Aurigny management said: "We believe that this requete [motion] is an unwarranted attack on Aurigny's staff and management, particularly those that live and work for us in Alderney.

"The time and effort spent on the Alderney operation far exceeds the 10% contribution that it makes to Aurigny's business."

"Whilst we recognise that it is the democratic right of those bringing the requete to do so, it is equally important to note that its contents are misleading."

Mr Roberts said: "To me it is an airline more concerned with flights to Barcelona than they are to Braye Harbour."