Breakwater talks in stalemate

Plans to shorten the breakwater have proved highly controversial

The future of Alderney's crumbling breakwater is once more in the melting pot.

Guernsey States members rejected the Board of Administration's £29m plan to shorten the Victorian structure by 125m to prevent it falling into the sea.

After more than a day's debate, the States also rejected an amendment which would have instructed the Board of Administration to come back with a cheaper alternative plan.

However they agreed to ask the States of Alderney to put forward plans for a low-maintenance harbour.

Deputy Roger Berry, President of The Board of Administration, said that States members had to realise that a rethink was necessary.

Roland Neal of the Alderney Action Group, said what was really needed was not just a low-cost option.

He said: "We need a safe harbour too.

"Alderney exists because tankers and other vessels can come in, irrespective of the weather."