Proposals to halt Alderney runway works

Deputies have been hoping to halt the works on the runway

A fresh attempt to derail an extension to Alderney's runway is being worked on by a group of deputies in Guernsey.

Last week, Deputy Chris Blin's proposals to halt the £24m plans were withdrawn before being laid for debate.

Deputy Blin, Deputy John Dyke and other States members will now work on an amendment to the government work plan.

States Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) president Deputy Peter Roffey described attempts to stop the project as "madcap".

STSB argued the extension would lead to savings for States-owned airline Aurigny, as it could get rid of the smaller Dornier aircraft and fly larger ATR aircraft into the island.

Aurigny said: "The Alderney runway is a political matter and a decision for the States."

The deputies and other States members have said they are opposed to the plans as they think money could be better spent on other big projects.

Alex Snowdon, Alderney representative in the States of Guernsey, urged deputies to continue with the work.

He said: "We need to get spades in the ground, the runway is crumbling away before our eyes, the economy needs to be strengthened with proper transport links which the new runway will give us, so we need to move on with this and stop moving in circles."

The Guernsey Aviation Action Group has been opposed to the extension of Alderney's runway since it was first proposed.

Businessman Peter Bachmann is concerned that the island will only have to pay for the investment for a longer runway but will not see any economic benefit.

The government work plan is set for debate at the States meeting on the 22 November.