Latest news with #GeneralServicesCommittee
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Alderney runway refurbishment plan to ensure airport safety
Alderney's government has renewed hopes of refurbishing the island's States said two "fully costed and technically sound" proposals had been put forward to the States Trading Supervisory Board (STSB).Officials said the proposals prioritised "urgent" work to the runway, taxiway and apron infrastructure to ensure the airport remained "safe and operational".Chair of the General Services Committee Iain Macfarlane said the goal was to demonstrate a "viable, cost-effective and deliverable" solution. 'Years of uncertainty' He said: "We've done exactly that. We've drawn a line under the years of uncertainty and turned the conversation back to action."We now hope for an expedited route forward, building on the diligent work of our members and officers. "We're keen to hear the views of STSB and Ports, and we hope they are ready to progress delivery."The States said the proposals had been drafted to meet all necessary technical standards, grounded in prior contractor involvement and site knowledge. It said it recognised "increasing pressures on the public purse" for Alderney and Guernsey."We therefore remain committed to being part of the solution to wider Bailiwick challenges by working collaboratively with our colleagues in the States of Guernsey to the benefit of the Bailiwick taxpayer," it added upgrades to the terminal and control tower could be addressed following completion of the "critical phase".
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Alderney care home extension inquiry finds 'shortcomings'
An independent inquiry into a £1.3m overspend on a care home extension has found there were "a number of shortcomings in the project's administration and management".The inquiry was tasked with examining where accountability lies for the soaring costs of the 13-room extension to the States-owned Connaught Care States of Alderney said while the project governance was correctly structured, the report provided recommendations that the General Services Committee (GSC) would endorse and apply to its future major capital GSC said it recognised the public interest in the matter and had agreed for the inquiry to be published in full on the States of Alderney website. 'Responsible and accountable' The inquiry, which took place in private was led by Martin Thornton, a judge from Guernsey Magistrates' MacFarlane, chair of the GSC said: "The report highlights issues with oversight and communication across various responsible bodies and third parties."However we can now be responsible and accountable to learn and move forward from the findings of the inquiry and create a framework that can be applied when the States of Alderney takes on major capital projects."Planning permission was granted for the extension in St Anne in 2019 and £1.29m was approved for the project in March 2020. It was previously reported that, overall, the States had approved spending of £2.367m.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Free tennis lessons held in Banbury park for first time
The first in a series of free tennis lessons took place in Banbury last weekend. The session ran from 10am to 11am on Saturday, May 24, at People's Park, teaching participants a variety of tips and techniques. Following the success of this initial class, Banbury Town Council is encouraging more residents to join future lessons, which will be held every Saturday at the same time and location. It is the first major initiative to be launched at the tennis courts since their refurbishment last summer. The refurbished courts, located in the heart of Banbury, have become popular with residents. Following the refurbishment, members of the public can book slots using a booking system on Banbury Town Council's website. People taking part in the free tennis lessons in Banbury (Image: Banbury Town Council) Booking a match is as simple as selecting a free time from the online calendar on the 'book your slot' page. Once booked, the player receives a one time code to access the courts. If the courts are not being used and the player has internet access, they can book when they get to the courts. The courts are available to use year-round, and the booking system ensures there is less confusion or clashing of schedules among players. Councillor Mark Cherry, former town mayor and chairman of Banbury Town Council's General Services Committee, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, regardless of age or experience, to take part in an exciting sport that bridges communities, backgrounds, and entire generations. "We've seen People's Park tennis courts transformed into a wonderful venue that Banbury can be proud of, and it's great to see such programmes making the most of these first-class sports facilities." The new sessions are part of a partnership between Banbury Town Council, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and experienced tennis players Shola Adebisi and Jenny Edwards, and are part of the LTA's national Free Park Tennis programme. Jenny Edwards and Shola Adebisi (Image: Banbury Town Council) Mr Adebisi, head coach at Banbury Tennis Academy, brings a wealth of experience, with more than a decade supporting young players across the UK. He has previously been named National Junior Champion and was crowned the 2021 LTA Oxfordshire Coach of the Year. Ms Edwards, an LTA L2 coach PTR instructor, is also a teaching veteran, having taught tennis to people of all ages, from four-year-olds up to adults. Her previous roles include head coach of BWE Club Adderbury and head of tennis at Bloxham School. Ms Edwards is efficient at breaking down the different elements of becoming a good player. To sign up for future sessions at People's Park, residents can visit the LTA website.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Care home inquiry to probe project's management
An independent inquiry into a £1.3m overspend on a care home extension will look at how the project was managed. The States of Alderney has released further details about the scope of the inquiry, which began on 3 March and is being held in private. It is broadly tasked with detailing where accountability lies over the soaring costs of the 13-room extension to the States-owned Connaught Care Home. In terms of references released by the States, it was revealed the panel will also look at the project's procurement and contracting arrangements. Planning permission was granted for the extension in St Anne in 2019 and £1.29m was approved for the project in March 2020. It was previously reported that overall, the States had approved £2.367m. The inquiry, which will also look at processes that failed and indicate safeguards for future projects, is being led by Martin Thornton, a judge from Guernsey Magistrates' Court. It is expected to be completed in six weeks. The management assessment will focus on the responsibilities within the programme management office, accountability of the contract administrator and the role of the political General Services Committee. It will also look at the project board, the level of professional support provided and peer review opportunities. The assessment into contracting arrangements will look at the "robustness of the procurement process and associated support mechanisms". The States said the inquiry will look at the "appropriateness of the contracts that have governed the delivery of the project, including a review of performance clauses" and cost-tracking mechanisms and their effectiveness. It added the General Service Committee will review the findings and determine what will be made public. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Inquiry to look into care home overspend Survey aims to identify retirement needs States of Alderney
