Politician calls for fast track on asbestos fix

A politician has called for proactive rather than reactive action, after firefighters vacated their base due to asbestos being found in a vehicle bay.

Fire crews at Alderney Airport have moved to a different building due to dust and debris being found to contain asbestos as a "precautionary measure".

Alderney politician Alex Snowdon said: "The recent news in concerning and I'm sure Guernsey Ports are sorting the situation out, but we really shouldn't be in this situation in the first place.

"We know that the building is end of life and of considerable age, and these things happen, however we shouldn't be where we are at all in my view."

He said: "Questions now need to be asked whether the fire station and terminal are going to be fast tracked or otherwise we are going to see these continuous situations.

"It's unsettling, we just need to move forward to more stable ground so we don't have these continuous crisis management at the airport.

"Unfortunately I think we need to turn a corner, be proactive and get a grip of these vital, important situations."

In a statement, Guernsey Ports said: "Specialist assessments and further testing are now under way.

"These investigations will help establish the nature and extent of any current asbestos-related risks associated with the building and inform any remediation measures that may be required."

The potential replacement of the Alderney Airport Fire Station is due to be considered as part of the States of Guernsey's Major Projects Portfolio.

Laura Bichard, from Unite Guernsey, said the wellbeing and safety of members was a priority and it was "essential that all necessary precautions are taken, appropriate measures are implemented, and that our members are kept fully informed throughout this process".

She said the airport director had committed to working with Unite to ensure there was "clear communication regarding the actions being taken to address the asbestos issues".

"We will continue to engage with management, seek the necessary assurances, and ensure that the concerns of our members are heard and addressed, to ensure that members have clarity, confidence, and reassurance that their safety and wellbeing are being treated with the seriousness they deserve."

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