Fair this evening becoming cloudier overnight.
Mainly fair with sunny periods but some rather cloudy spells. Feeling rather warm.
It's hoped the airport won't have to close for a full 8 days…, while the runway's upgraded. Public Services say they may have to shut it for 2 days next May, 4 days next July and 2 days in February 2012. But they also say that's a worst case scenario. They're consulting with airport users to see how they can get the work done, while causing them the least hassle.
Talks could soon start on a new reciprocal health agreement between the UK and Guernsey…. The deal ran out nearly a year ago, meaning we have to pay if we get ill while on the mainland. Deputy Graham Guille's been speaking with UK politicians recently at the latest British-Irish Parliamentary Assembley. He says Guernsey's ready to look at a new deal, but ideally a better one than what was previously in place.
Workshops are in place to help primary school teachers deal with homophobia in the classroom…. A UK based head-teacher is coming over to Guernsey to help train islanders who work with children on how to deal with same-sex issues. He's even got story books they can use to help teach children about gay and lesbian relationships. The workshops are being held just 2 weeks before politicians debate lowering the gay age of consent to 16.
The founder of a local animal charity is furious as claims pigeons are being poisoned are investigated…. Commerce and Employment say they are looking into the allegations. Pigeons are protected in Guernsey under the wild birds ordenance. Sue Vidamour from Animal Aid is worried there could be more of the same poison in other parts of the island killing not just pigeons but other birds hedgehogs or even cats.
A local business group wants to see subsidies to help smaller companies afford their rent…. The States are looking at sites around the island that could be freed up for industrial use. But Peter Budwin Chair of the Confederation of Guernsey Industry says the amount of land available isn't the only issue. He says the costs is also hampering a lot businesses.
Unemployment in alderney's nearly doubled in the last year…. 31 people are registered as out of work compared to just 17 twelve months ago. A spokesperson for the States of Alderney said the majority of people signing on recently were from the building trade.