Alderney u-turn sees mooring fees halted again

Tuesday 11 August 2020

The States of Alderney made a quick u-turn on its plans to reinstate mooring fees for visiting yachts, after local businesses spoke out about how the concession had given them a much-needed boost following lockdown.

It was announced late last week that fees, which were suspended in June to encourage boat owners from across the Bailiwick to visit the island, were going to return on 10 August at a rate of £20 per night.

However, just a few days before they were going to be reinstated, States Members decided against it. 

States of Alderney has now done a U-turn on this. Long story! Moorings and water taxi now FREE again for Guernsey, Sark and Herm boats, until 12th September. Staycation promotions from Alderney. Come and visit! @VoteParkinson @visitalderney @BailiwickGsy @GuernseyPress https://t.co/lQnwiEJoBs

— Alex Snowdon (@AlexSnowdon5) August 7, 2020

"The offer was originally introduced with the lifting of corona virus restrictions in mid-June and since then Braye Bay has seen an increasing number of visiting boats," a spokesperson for the island's States said. "This has provided a welcome boost for retail and hospitality businesses seeking to recover following lockdown."

Pictured: The concession has given Alderney businesses a much-needed boost.

At first, concerns were raised that, if the concessions were to continue, they would increase the harbour deficit. But it was later decided that money from the Economic Development Fund should be used, as it is in surplus after being frozen at the beginning of the pandemic.

Mooring fees will be suspended until 12 September and charges for the water taxi service - which had returned on 3 August - will be stopped once again until that time.

Alderney's General Services Committee came to its decision via a remote vote, after listening to the views of local businesses.

Pictured top: Alderney Marina and Braye Harbour.