Stark warning to local businesses

Businesses in Alderney have been warned to expect tough times in the coming months.

Alderney Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Eggleston says the rising cost of oil and rates increases could lead to job losses or worse in the island.

Mr Eggleston (pictured) said: "Many businesses could suffer a downturn within the next year and that could mean they end up employing fewer staff, or worse.

"The two main reasons for this are the cost of oil and Alderney's rising rates."

Mr Eggleston called on the States to ignite Alderney's tourism industry and attract more people to live in the island.

He said: "To create more spending, the island needs more people. We need to attract more people to rent here and entice more tourists. The ever thinner rope that our economy balances on is crying out for perhaps 500 more residents, as well as a longer and more sustainable tourist season."

Mr Eggleston highlighted tourism as one of the Chamber's main concerns.

He said: "We are most concerned at the lack of tourists and forward bookings for the coming season, at a time when permission may soon be approved for a further hotel with more than 50 beds.

"This is obviously a major concern and we hope there are pro-active ideas in place or already being implemented to increase tourist numbers."

Mr Eggleston also questioned the number of tourists Alderney currently attracts.

"One question we have asked the States is how many people travelling to Alderney are actual tourists because without this figure we cannot see the full picture of what is really happening.

"Take out of the equation those who fly here regularly on business, those who travel back and forth on hospital visits and those who are second home owners and the number visiting the island as tourists reduces significantly."

Mr Eggleston also said the cost of flying to and from the island needs to be addressed.

"Both residents and tourists are aggrieved at the cost of air flights on and off the island. However, the carriers cannot always be held to blame. The passenger taxes, landing taxes and massive cost of Guernsey's new terminal are all adding to our fares - and this is States taxing.

"If we want to maintain drive and prosperity within the islands, could not both Guernsey and Alderney States help by granting a subsidy to these taxes at uncertain times?"

Mr Eggleston also called on the island to be cleaned up.

He said: "Alderney needs a spring clean. With another season almost upon us, it does not give a good impression of itself but we do have sympathy here. The works to both the commercial quay and main sewer are imperative. However, sand could be cleared from Braye Street on a regular basis."

Policy and Finance chairman Richard Willmott had not read the report when the Journal approached him for his views.

Mr Willmott's opinion will appear in the next issue of the Journal, which comes out on June 21.

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Richard Viggers | Tue 18th August 2009 I'm delighted to see that Mr Egglestone in his position, has grasped the reality of the recession as it effects the island. The reality of the solution will however not be popular with residents. To bring money / people to Alderney if currently awkward at best. Small aircraft & yachts are not the choice of the masses. Utilising a Ro-Ro landing for the ferries that travel between the UK and the islands would probably bring you the funds that you are seeking, but whether you want the "downside" that come with it, I suspect may generate lengthy debate !

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