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A family man in Alderney warns that "young families will leave, potential new residents will be deterred, tourism will reduce, and the ageing population will increase" if the island's airport is not redveloped.
In the latest letter to the editor on the subject, Dino Simeone explains why he wants to see the investment warning that "no other compromise should be considered".
Pictured: Alderney's runway.
Dear All,
Firstly, may I thank Deputy Peter Ferbrache and Deputy Peter Roffey for taking the time to speak and listen to the opinions of Alderney residents.
After attending several public consultations and a visit to inspect the runway, I wish to enter the debate and express my opinion on the proposed improvements to Alderney Airport.
I generally avoid debates of this nature, but after reading and listening to some of the views of a vocal minority and part-time residents whose opinions appear to clouded by nostalgia and distant memories of days gone by, I have felt the need to have provide a voice for the people who live full time on Alderney, work full time and have young families who generally simply do not have the time to focus all their efforts on negative hate campaigns that could prevent any improvements to island life.
As a full-time working parent and a father of three children who attend the local school, I also feel that my opinion is shared by a vast majority of residents of a similar demographic who believe that improvements to the terminal and runway (option C+) must be carried out and no other compromise should be considered.
Pictured: Dino Simeone is hoping the redevelopment of Alderney's runway gets the go ahead.
Professionally, I have worked in the construction industry for over 30 years, including managing maintenance and repair. By experience, something can be repaired several times before the only cost-effective option is a replacement. When we were invited to view the runway, I was alarmed on how poor the runway actually was, and how many patches were visible, even some of the repairs had been repaired! Therefore, in my opinion, a replacement runway is required. Obviously, the sensible process would be to widen and extend the runway as part of the works.
On a similar note, may I refer to the terminal buildings. From what I believe, these were constructed in the 1960’s and have basically remained unchanged. In order improve airport staff working conditions, security, safety and customer experience, a new purpose bult building would futureproof this area for half a century. In addition, this would provide further employment and boost other on island business.
I do concede that I am no pilot or an expert in aviation, so I am unable to comment on size of aircraft, standardisation of the fleet or wind tolerances. However, I am an Alderney resident, who loves this island. Furthermore, we rely on a regular air service for a source of income, that provides essential medical services and commercial travel, sadly I am fearful that if these improvements are not carried out, the prospective outcomes are that young families will leave, potential new residents will be deterred, tourism will reduce, and the aging population will increase. With these factors, island income will decline and a greater dependence on Bailiwick funding will become customary.
Added to this argument, if the airline continues to operate at a considerable loss, there is the possibility that we will lose an airline altogether, then where would we be.
Kind regards,
Dino Simeone
