Sunnier summer days on Victoria Street, St Anne. Now, says John Beaman, the town centre is let down by ‘closed’ signs. (21612202)

NEW tourism chief John Beaman says he is fully aware of the island’s positives and negatives as a holiday destination.

Mr Beaman has taken over from Ian Tugby as the States member responsible for tourism after being unanimously elected by his political colleagues at the last Policy and Finance Committee meeting.

He has spent the last few years working as a tour guide for Alderney Lighthouse and is particularly interested in the island’s tourism issues.

Mr Beaman said: ‘I was very pleased to be given tourism as one of my areas of responsibility as it fits in well with my other areas: environment, the island of Burhou, wildlife, open areas and agriculture.

‘Over the last three years I have been working as a lighthouse tour guide and last year spoke with nearly 700 visitors. These included both French and German groups on organised tours.’

West Yorkshire-born Mr Beaman, who was elected to the States in December, was quick to point out Alderney’s positives as a tourist destination.

He said: ‘People can come here to go walking, fishing and cycling. They can also play golf, visit historical buildings and spend time on our wonderful beaches.

‘We also have other top class attractions, including the lighthouse, library and museum.’

Mr Beaman said there was plenty for people to do in the island.

‘We have friendly pubs and restaurants, a good selection of hotels and guest houses and a variety of shops. The list is endless.’

He believes there are numerous reasons why people want to visit Alderney.

‘I think the Wildlife Trust’s proposed puffin and gannet camera has huge potential for attracting attention to the island’s wildlife and plays an important part in tourism marketing. It has already attracted large sponsorship deals and if it matches the RSPB’s osprey camera, which had a truly phenomenal hit rate, then it could be a real winner for Alderney.’

Despite his optimism, Mr Beaman is fully aware there is room for improvement.

‘For February, the island is starting to look good.

‘I did a quick drive around this week and found the benches and bins in good order.

‘The palm trees along Braye Common are cut back and showing signs of growth, while the Hammond Memorial is tidy and the new train station is looking good.

‘On the negative side, because of building work, the harbour is not at its best. However, we have to have a commercial quay.

‘Also, the excavation of Platte Saline is a bit of a mess but I understand that it will be restored. The terrace at the top of La Vallee is also rather waterlogged but once again I believe this is in hand.’

Mr Beaman also alluded to the credit crunch, saying the town centre was being marred by ‘closed’ signs.

‘Some areas of Victoria Street are rather let down by

empty shops.

‘However, the relaxing of water restrictions may allow hanging baskets to flourish in St Anne again.’

One of his immediate priorities is to increase the amount of signage in the island.

He said: ‘I do feel the island suffers from a lack of it. Visitors like to know where things are and I think we often assume people who come here know as much about Alderney as we do. However this is not the case and I intend to bring this issue to the General Services Committee as soon as possible.’

Mr Beaman went on to say he hoped Telegraph Bay could be reopened.

He added: ‘Unfortunately I am unable to do anything about the weather but perhaps the Policy and Finance Committee can.’