Land Use Plan Public Inquiry

STATES OF ALDERNEY

PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LAND USE PLAN
 
Under the terms of the Building & Development Control (Alderney) Law, 2002, as amended, where the Building & Development Control Committee is disposed to approve an application for permission to carry out any development or work involving a departure from a Land Use Plan, the Committee may request the President of the States to appoint an Inspector to hold a Planning Inquiry.

The Committee is proposing five changes to the Plan: -

1. Land adjacent to Rue de La Saline & Le Petit Val (Zone 14A) - Proposed sub-division into two separate zones, to enable the development of the western side of the Zone to proceed.
   
   
2. Land at Butes Field / York Hill (Zone 4) - Proposed re-zoning to enable certain commercial activity, if essential to a community scheme’s funding and development.
   
   
3. Grand Hotel Site, Butes (Zone 2A) – Proposed re-zoning to facilitate higher density development.
   
   
4. Land adjacent to Battery Quarry / Rue de Beaumont – Proposed re-zoning to Public Utility Zone for future essential development by the Alderney Water Board.
   
   
5. Land off Windy Corner, La Marette – Proposed re-zoning to Public Utility Zone for construction of a water storage facility by the Alderney Water Board.
   
   

TAKE NOTICE THAT MR ANTHONY WHITEHEAD HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE PLANNING INSPECTOR AND WILL HOLD A PLANNING INQUIRY INTO THE ABOVE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LAND USE PLAN IN THE ANNE FRENCH ROOM, ISLAND HALL COMMENCING AT 10.00A.M. ON TUESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2010.

Plans and details of the proposed changes to the Land Use Plan are displayed at the following locations:-

1. Alderney Library
2. States Planning Office
3. www.alderney.gov.gg/States-Planning-Department

R Burke
Chief Executive
12th July 2010

STATES OF ALDERNEY

PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LAND USE PLAN

Take notice that I, Anthony Whitehead, being the Inspector appointed by the President of the States of Alderney in accordance with the Building & Development Control (Alderney) Law, 2002, as amended,   HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that I will hold an Inquiry into the proposed changes to the Land Use Plan at the Anne French Room, Island Hall, Royal Connaught Square, commencing at 10.00a.m. on Tuesday, 10th August, 2010.

Any person or persons wishing to make a representation or offer an objection to the proposed changes to the Plan may do so:

• (a) in person;
• (b) by an Advocate of the Royal Court of Guernsey;  or
• (c) by any other person authorised to do so, or
• (d) by written representation

No person may, at the Planning Inquiry, make any representation, or offer any objection, in relation to a Land Use Plan or any proposed alteration or addition thereto unless he, or some other person acting on his behalf and described in (b) or (c) above, has, no later than midday on Friday 30th July, 2010, given written notice to me of his intention to make the representation or offer the objection.

Any such notice:

• (a) shall give an explanation of the proposed representation or objection sufficient to enable me to understand the essence of it;  and
• (b) shall be published in the Alderney Official Gazette (if there is time before the commencement of the Inquiry) exhibited on the notice board outside the Alderney Court House and made available for inspection in the Planning Office.

Written notice should be given to :-

  Mr A Whitehead
  Land Use Plan Inspector
  c/o States Office
  PO Box 1
  Alderney
  GY9 3AA

Dated this 12th  day of July, 2010
Anthony Whitehead, Dip TP, MRTPI
Land Use Plan Inspector

TV Switchover Campaign Launches

Countdown to end of analogue era for 50,000 households

The public information campaign to help viewers in the Channel Islands prepare for the digital TV switchover was launched today.

In just six months’ time on Wednesday 17 November, analogue terrestrial TV services for 50,000 households will be permanently switched off allowing Freeview digital channels to be broadcast for the first time. Viewers watching via an aerial will need to convert their TV to digital to continue receiving television.1 Digital UK and the Switchover Help Scheme will support viewers across the Channel Islands as they prepare for the biggest change to TV for a generation.

Digital UK’s Regional Manager Bill Taylor and campaign mascot Digit Al launched the campaign with school children at Castel Primary School on Guernsey, who have already been learning about the digital switchover. The campaign will comprise:

• On-screen messages: analogue viewers will soon start seeing special messages covering part of their screens. They will increase in size and frequency as the switchover gets closer.
• The Switchover Help Scheme will be writing to older and disabled people offering them practical help to switch one TV to digital, including equipment, installation and aftercare.
• Advertising: there will be extensive local advertising on TV, radio and in local newspapers.
• Roadshows: the switchover roadshow will tour the Channel Islands stopping at a number of locations, offering face-to-face advice and practical demonstrations of digital TV equipment.
• Guide to switchover: a few months before switchover, all households will be sent a detailed guide, including advice on retuning Freeview equipment.
• Charity partnerships: Age Concern Jersey and Guernsey Citizens Advice Bureau are working with Digital UK and the Help Scheme to offer extra information and support to viewers who need it.

The Digital UK website and advice line (details below) can also provide viewers with all they need to know about the switchover in their area. Satellite and cable services are not affected by switchover.

After switchover, virtually all households in the Channel Islands will be able to receive Freeview digital channels for the first time. Viewers who get their TV signal from the Fremont Point transmitter (on Jersey) or one of its seven local relay transmitters across the Islands will see their choice of terrestrial channels increase from four to around 15.

Bill Taylor, Digital UK’s South West Regional Manager said: “We are starting the final countdown to a fully digital TV system for the Channel Islands. The benefits will be felt by hundreds of thousands of viewers who will be able to receive free-to-air digital TV via an aerial for the first time. Over the coming months we will be making plenty of information available and working with the Switchover Help Scheme to ensure viewers know where to turn for advice.”

Contact

• Digital UK: 08456 50 50 50, digitaluk.co.uk
• Switchover Help Scheme: 0800 408 7654, helpscheme.co.uk

Related Documents

TV Switchover Campaign Press Release - 17 may 2010.pdf Download the original press release (Adobe PDF format). [download]

Channel Islands Switchover News - may 2010.pdf Download Switchover newsletter for May (Adobe PDF format). [download]

Smoking Prohibition in Public Places 1st June 2010

SMOKE FREE ALDERNEY 

At 4.00 am on Tuesday 1st June 2010 a new law will come into effect in Alderney which bans smoking in enclosed public places and most workplaces.

Futher information on how this may affect you, businesses and organisations can be found on this web site under Business/Legislation or by clicking on the link below:

www.alderney.gov.gg/Legislation

PR And Marketing Annual Report 2009

Mission Statement

"To market the island as a tourist destination, as well as business, e-commerce and investment. To efficiently achieve this within the remit of the allocated budget, using the most cost-effective marketing tools, such as, press relations, namely press visits, editorial, advertising, advertorial, event supports, exhibitions, brochures, posters, e-mail marketing and website."

PR & Marketing Strategy 2009

The campaign continued to be specifically targeted to the niche markets, these being the special interests such as Wildlife, Walking, Angling, Sailing, Golf and Aviation. The over 50’s and couples with a high disposable income, no children, or children who have left home, and young affluent families, were included, with Alderney being marketed as a safe, relaxing and peaceful destination. The key geographical areas being Jersey, Guernsey, France and UK, specifically the South of England, Cornwall, Wales and the Home Counties.

Budget

The tourism budget was held at £114,000.

2009 Tourist Figures

Inevitably the current economic climate has affected tourist numbers during 2009 resulting in a general downturn in the number of passengers carried by the airlines to the island of 3%.

Malcolm Coupar from Aurigny said “2009 proved a very challenging year for airlines, and whilst Aurigny’s performance on Alderney routes was slightly ahead of forecast thanks primarily to Blue Islands unexpectedly withdrawing from the Bournemouth route, it was still poor in financial terms. In overall terms for Alderney, a contraction of just 3% in its’ air markets in 2009 was a good result, and Aurigny is pleased to have increased its’ share of these markets to 80%.”

However, the number of visiting private aircraft and their crew increased by 9% and 13% respectively, which is really encouraging.

Keith Webster, Alderney Airport Manager said “The overall annual figures show a 9% improvement in private aircraft arrivals over 2009. Given the financial downturn, that has to be something to be proud of.”

At the harbour the number of ferry sailings decreased by 4 (some were cancelled due to weather) and the number of passengers were down by 641 (15%). The number of yacht nights spent on the island increased by 6% as did the number of crew.

The Alderney Harbour Office said “Despite the economic downturn we have seen a 6% increase in both the number of visiting yachts and their crew for 2009. These increases are a reflection of favourable weather conditions, a targeted marketing campaign, the encouraging pound / euro exchange rate and the service provided by Alderney harbour including a much improved Mainbrayce water taxi service for all visiting leisure vessels. I am aware that when compared with the number of yachts visiting French ports within the locality we have achieved good figures for 2009. Although the ferry passenger numbers have decreased by 15%, and the sailings by 4, as some were cancelled due to weather, in 2008 Manche Iles Express carried 123 passengers per sailing and in 2009, 118, so this is only a reduction of 5 passengers per sailing”.

Overall the season fared well despite the current global economic situation.



The complete 13 page report may be downloaded at the link below.

PR And Marketing Annual Report 09.pdf This report is now available in PDF format. [download]

Swine Flu Vaccinations Update - November 2009

GPs will be inviting under-5s to receive the Swine Flu vaccine from the beginning of next week.

The States Influenza Pandemic Expert Advisory Group decided last week to recommend the extension of the island’s vaccination programme for children aged from six months up to five years.

The vaccine will be offered through GP surgeries. They will write to patients from this week to invite them to make an appointment.

Young patients will be over six months and under five years as at 1 December 2009 (the day the UK is due to start its child vaccination programme).

The swine flu vaccine is offered in two half doses, three weeks apart, for this age group, and there will be charges for administering the vaccine of £10.65 on each occasion.

The under-5s have been selected for vaccination as scientific evidence has highlighted a small, but higher risk of hospitalisation than for other age groups among those children who contract the virus.

Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Bridgman said:

‘Our vaccination programme is progressing well and we have sufficient vaccine stocks. The GPs are reporting that they are very busy dealing with flu-like illness and the ongoing vaccinations and so we have decided to invite people to come forward.

‘Please wait for your invitation from your doctor rather than contacting them directly, although we are confident that will be fairly soon.’

Dr Bridgman said that the vaccination of people considered to be high risk was coming to a conclusion. People who believed that they should be classified as higher risk, but had not received an invitation – particularly those who normally receive the winter flu jab, could now approach GP surgeries to receive the vaccine if they wished.

The recent rise in cases of flu-like illness has had a knock-on impact at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.  A number of patients have failed to show for outpatient appointments, and the hospital is asking people who are missing appointments due to illness to telephone to cancel.

20th November

Swine flu vaccine is to be offered to under five-year-olds in Guernsey within the next few weeks.

Following the UK Government’s decision to extend the vaccination programme yesterday, the States Influenza Pandemic Expert Advisory Group today agreed to do the same for children aged from six months up to five years.

‘In most cases this is a mild to moderate illness, but the scientific evidence has highlighted a small risk of hospitalisation in a small number of previously healthy under-5s,’ said Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Bridgman.

‘Our priority vaccination programme is proceeding well. Our next move is to order further stocks of vaccine and then we will roll out the next phase to this age group.’

The scientific evidence has highlighted a risk of hospitalisation in a small number of previously healthy under-5s.

It has not been decided yet whether the vaccine will be offered through community sessions or through GP surgeries. Dr Bridgman said that this would be agreed in due course.

Parents are advised not to request early vaccination before further announcements are made.

Under-fives considered to be in the higher-risk category are already being offered the vaccine.

Further evidence of swine flu and flu-like illness circulating in the island emerged today. More than 300 people (305) with flu-like symptoms have seen a doctor so far this week – almost double the previous peak in July.

There have been more cases tested under the surveillance regime this week which have returned positive for swine flu.

17th November

Some Island schools are continuing to experience high levels of absence among pupils through flu-like illness. Staff absence is currently low.

In the States maintained primary sector some 368 out of 3745 (9.8%) pupils are currently absent with 413 out of 2820 (14.6%) absent in the States maintained secondary sector. Not all are absent through flu-like illnesses and in many schools absence levels are on a par with previous years.

Some schools are affected more than others with La Mare de Carteret High and La Mare de Carteret Primary Schools currently experiencing the highest levels of pupil absence; La Mare de Carteret Primary School currently has 88 pupils out of 258 absent (34%) with 5 staff also off, La Mare de Carteret High has around 200 of its 531 pupils (37.6%) absent plus 7 staff.

All schools will continue to remain open while there are sufficient staff to ensure that they can operate safely.

The Department is monitoring absence levels on a daily basis and the local media will be informed of any escalation of the situation at the earliest opportunity.

Parents are asked to follow the advice of the Department of Public Health with regard to keeping pupils off school if they display any flu-like symptoms.

The Influenza Pandemic Expert Group discussed the rise in illness in schools at a scheduled meeting today.

It confirmed advice that children displaying symptoms of swine flu, particularly a high temperature, were recommended to stay off school for seven days. Children displaying severe symptoms or who failed to improve after a couple of days, were recommended to see a doctor, who could prescribe them anti-viral drugs.

Children with usual cold symptoms should be kept off school until they were feeling better, as parents would usually do.

It was agreed that the levels of illness being seen in some schools were likely to indicate a rise in cases of swine flu in the island. But of nine samples tested of patients with flu-like illness in the past week, only two were confirmed as the H1N1 virus, indicating that there are a variety of viruses circulating in the community.
Numbers of people seeing their doctor with flu-like illnesses increased markedly in the past week.

The take up of vaccine by high risk groups is going well, but Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Bridgman recommended that people who had been invited for vaccination should take up the offer. He also restated the need to continue good hygiene precautions.

The group will continue to monitor the situation.

16th November

Parents of children due to take an 11-plus examination tomorrow [Tuesday 17 November] have been advised not to send their children to school if they are not well.

The Education Department have written to some parents today, through schools, following high numbers of pupils – and in some cases, teachers – staying at home today with illness. Flu-like illness and colds were widely reported at some establishments, though not all schools are understood to be affected.

A spokesman for the Education Department said:

‘No parent should be obliged to send their child to school if the child is feeling unwell, especially if the only reason they are being sent into school is to undertake the 11-plus exams.

‘Parents should be reassured there will be an opportunity for any child to sit any missed exams at a later date.’

Education will continue to monitor sickness levels in schools.

‘Obviously we will need to monitor the situation to see how big the problem becomes,’ the spokesman added.

The Health and Social Services Department’s Influenza Pandemic Expert Group is due to meet with Education officers at a scheduled meeting tomorrow, when sickness levels at schools will be among the issues discussed.

5th November

Guernsey doctors are starting to see an increase in the numbers of patients with flu-like illness as they commence vaccination of ‘high risk’ islanders.
The island stopped swabbing all suspected cases some months ago but doctors have reported a near doubling of patients seen with flu-like illness in the past week to about 60.

A restricted testing regime has been running, which has seen a handful of cases confirmed in the past week.

In all, just 6% (22 cases) of all swabs sent to laboratories in the UK for tests since June have come back positive.

First stocks of the swine flu vaccine arrived in the island last week, a further 5,500 doses arrived again this week and more are expected. The Expert Flu Pandemic Team, headed by Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Bridgman, will consider extending the vaccination programme beyond the initial priority cases – people with long-term conditions, those with compromised immune systems through illness or treatment, their close contacts, and pregnant women – over the coming weeks.

Currently Guernsey is not recommending vaccination for children who do not qualify under the high risk criteria, as per UK policy.

Dr Bridgman said that he and the expert group were keeping a close watch on UK policy, the extent of the increase in illness in the community and also remaining aware of the need to be cost-effective.

Dr Bridgman added that he was aware that some concerns had been raised about swine flu vaccines.

He said that the vaccines had been made under the same process used to make seasonal flu vaccines, which have a good safety record, and tests had been carried out on the vaccines which had been licensed for use.

Vaccination is not compulsory, but is being recommended, particularly to those in the high risk groups.

The vaccine does not give the patient swine flu. There have been reports of people feeling ill after receiving it. Side-effects such as mild fever, swelling and soreness at the point of the injection, and general aches and pains are often seen with vaccines.

Travel advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office should be followed.

Further information is available from the States of Guernsey:

gov.gg: Swine Influenza
gov.gg: Swine Influenza - Frequently Asked Questions
gov.gg: Swine Flu Press Release (30 April 2009)
gov.gg: Swine Flu Advice for Workplaces (30 April 2009)

Water supplies and treatment.

Press Release

Subject: Water supplies and treatment.

Ref. JP~SOA-016/2009

Tests carried out by Alderney Water for a chemical used in fire-fighting foam have confirmed that the island’s supplies are safe to drink. 

The testing follows reports that the chemical, known as perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS), has been detected in streams around Guernsey Airport.  The contamination is believed to have resulted from fire-fighting activities at the airfield, however health authorities have confirmed that the concentrations found in that island’s water supplies do not pose a risk to health. 

The same fire-fighting foam previously used in Guernsey has also been stocked in the past at Alderney Airport.  However this has now been replaced by a new type of foam, which does not contain PFOS. 

Alderney Water was notified of Guernsey’s findings in September, and as a precautionary measure has taken samples from various streams and private supplies, as well as the Trigale storage tank. 

These tests have confirmed that although PFOS is present in the local water supply, the concentrations are well below the safe level set by the UK’s Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). 

Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Bridgman and Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation Val Cameron have confirmed that Alderney Water is safe to drink. 

The chemical was detected in raw water in the Bonne Terre catchment area, but within the DWI guidelines.  However, to date all raw water supplies to the Battery Quarry have been clear. 

All local drinking water is distributed from the Trigale storage tank, tests of which have been within the DWI guidelines. 

Operations at Alderney Airport, including fire fighting activities, are the responsibility of Guernsey’s Public Services Department.  Any queries regarding the foam material should be addressed to the Department’s Jim Anderson on 717109. 

Alderney Water will continue to monitor local supplies to ensure they continue to comply with all drinking water quality standards.  It is in close consultation with Guernsey Water and the Environmental Health Department, to assess whether any remedial work may be required in the Bonne Terre area.

In the meantime it is intended to progress the implementation of the new Filtration Plant, the main purpose of which is to improve water quality, although this may require some enhancement, and the assistance of Guernsey Water is being sought to verify the design prior to proceeding with procurement. Because of these considerations the plant will now be later than originally planned, and in parallel with this therefore it is intended to also progress with Phase 3 of the water development project, the installation of new storage and pumping facilities to replace the outdated system at Trigale.

You may be assured that every care is being taken to ensure the safety of the water supplies and to improve the service and quality.

Issued by:  Joanna Parmentier, Marketing & PR Manager, States of Alderney
t. 01481 825536, e. joanna.parmentier@gov.gg and w. www.visitalderney.com

For further information, please contact:-

States of Guernsey Public Services Department

Jim Anderson
01481 717109
mobile 07781 108325
Jim.Anderson@gov.gg

 

Swine Flu – Change in Travel Advice

ADVICE to people returning to Guernsey from Swine Flu-affected areas in Mexico and the United States has been changed by the island’s health authorities.

Staying off work or school for a week when returning from an affected area is no longer being recommended locally.

The decision has been taken by Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Bridgman in consultation with the Emergency Powers Advisory Group and the island’s Pandemic Flu Planning Group.

Dr Bridgman said that the change in advice should not be taken as a sign of complacency and that everyone needed to stay vigilant.

‘If someone has visited a high risk area where human cases of Swine Influenza have been identified, it is important that they are vigilant for any signs of illness in the seven days after they travel,’ he said.

‘But we are no longer recommending that people routinely need to isolate themselves from other people as long as they remain well.’

People returning from these areas who develop flu-like symptoms, including fever and high temperature above 38C, should stay at home and contact their GP for advice.

Dr Bridgman recommended the NHS Direct website to help people decide whether to contact a GP.

The decision to isolate travellers was taken in the early stages of the virus’s spread worldwide in the hope that it would contain its spread if introduced into the island. Jersey also took similar measures, more stringent than the UK advice.

Guernsey agreed that people should stay at home during the period of possible incubation following reports from Mexico indicating a relatively severe infection from the new flu strain.

There have been more than 50 Swine Flu deaths worldwide, the vast majority in Mexico, and while more than 60 Swine Flu cases have been confirmed in the UK, studies on European cases have indicated that symptoms have been similar to seasonal flu and the illness appears to be relatively mild.

Dr Bridgman recommended people remember good hygiene advice. ‘General infection-control practices and good respiratory and hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu,’ he said.

‘People should remember the advice given about good hygiene – using tissues when coughing and sneezing and disposing of them immediately, and regularly washing hands with soap to prevent the virus from spreading once cases arise in the island.’

No possible new cases of Swine Flu in the island have been tested in the past week. Five tests had been returned negative in the previous week.

Medical Care Update March 2009

Medical Care for Visitors

The Reciprocal Health Agreement between the UK and the Channel Islands ended on 31st March 2009.

All visitors to the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which includes Alderney, are advised to take out full travel insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment that they may require and repatriation costs.

Medical Care for Persons taking up residence in Alderney

All GP’s are in private practice and a fee is payable for all consultations in the surgery, place of residence and the A & E Department at the Mignot Memorial Hospital.

Dentists, opticians, physiotherapists and chiropodists are all in private practice.

Residents visiting the UK, whether for business or personal reasons, will have to pay for healthcare whilst there.  It is, therefore, essential that Alderney residents have full Medical & Travel Insurance for the duration of their visit and ensure that their insurance policy covers for all eventualities.  However, treatment received in an A & E Department, or similar walk-in treatment centre and immediate necessary treatment given by a GP, will not be charged for.

The Specialist Health Insurance Scheme covers the cost of specialist medical care provided by the Medical Specialist Group (MSG). This scheme also funds physiotherapy provided by the Guernsey Physiotherapy Group when the referral is by a member of the MSG and medical treatment for acute care patients in the Mignot Memorial Hospital. For acute care patients there is no charge for radiology, pathology, medication and accommodation.

Further details about both these schemes is available in leaflets which can be accessed through the web site www.gov.gg and then click on the Social Security icon or in paper form from the States Office in Alderney.

Charges are made for long stay patients and help is available through a means tested scheme if necessary.

Prescription medicines are available to residents on payment of a prescription charge of £2.80 (in 2009) per item. This entitles the resident to a 28 day supply.  People over the age of 65 years or in receipt of Supplementary Benefit are exempt from this payment and must sign the declaration on the back of the prescription.

Any further details about hospital or medical facilities in the island may be obtained from Corporate Headquarters, Health & Social Services Department, Le Vauquiedor, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8TW.  Tel. +44(0)1481 725241

Alderney’s Medical Services

The Island Medical Centre Sundial House, Les Roquettes tel: +44 (0)1481 822077

Eagle Medical Practice Stefan House Ollivier Court , Ollivier Street tel: +44 (0)1481 822494

Dental Practice Venelles du Milieu tel: +44 (0)1481 823131

Mignot Memorial Hospital Crabby tel: +44 (0)1481 822822

Alderney’s Ambulance Services

Ambulance services are provided by the St. John Alderney Ambulance Service which levies charges for attendance by ambulance personnel and for transport by ambulance or ambulance car.

The service operates an Ambulance subscription scheme where an annual premium paid by 31 December each year covers the ambulance charges incurred the following year in Alderney

To gain immediate cover, please contact :

The Treasurer
St. John Alderney Ambulance Services
Century House, 12 Victoria Street
Alderney GY9 3UF, Channel Islands
tel:  +44 (0) 1481 822020
fax: +44 (0) 1481 822134
e-mail: ald.amb@century.gg