Sure backs call for one Bailiwick directory

Sure supports calls for a single Guernsey directory that could save 50 tonnes of paper a year.

As the company launches the 102nd Guernsey Directory, Director of Customer Operations, Mark McConnell, accepted that returning to a single directory is entirely feasible.

He said:

“Under our licence conditions we produce a telephone directory every year, which already includes numbers provided by the other operators. This year there will be around 59,000 copies containing the latest, most up-to-date Bailiwick residential and business listings together with the largest ever classified yellow page section with over 1,000 display adverts promoting local businesses.”

Mr McConnell said that the universal service obligation only applies to Sure, the trading name for Cable & Wireless Guernsey, and it was therefore a commercial decision for other operators to publish a telephone book.

Mr McConnell said the company took its environmental responsibility very seriously, and took steps to reduce the impact of its directory.

Sure’s directory carries the Swan mark, certifying that all materials and packaging are 100% recyclable and do not contain any environmentally hazardous chemicals. The company has also reduced the number produced in line with demand, and developed an online directory as an alternative to the printed version (www.surecw.com).

“We are obliged to publish the directory each year but have taken a number of steps to limit any environmental impact,” he said.

Directories can be recycled at any of the following locations:

“The public information section includes a full page provided by Environment Department listing the local recycling facilities for all the various different types of waste. Also when we launch our directory each year we encourage islanders to use the paper bring banks to dispose of their old phone book.”

The company delivers directories to customers who have requested them, however most are collected from various distribution points around the island.

Free distribution to local business houses will commence immediately, undertaken by Channel Express and personal deliveries to all classified display advertisers is underway. Deliveries to other islands in the Bailiwick will take place in line with freight schedules.

Islanders wishing to collect in bulk should visit Centenary House. Alternatively, copies can be picked up from any of the following distribution points:

Request forms for free delivery can be found on the website: www.theguernseydirectory.com or by calling Sure’s Information Services on 757367.