A WORRIED airport neighbour has welcomed news that a public meeting will be held this week about plans to improve the runway.

Banker Stephen Fell, who lives near the west end of the runway, had urged Public Services to make good on a pledge to keep islanders informed about developments with the runway proposals.

Mr Fell said residents had been kept in the dark for the last eight months but added he was pleased the department had now arranged a meeting on the issue.

‘Public Services minister Bernard Flouquet has offered the public meeting for anyone with an interest but also as a one-to-one meeting with anyone who has a specific concern, such as myself,’ he said.

Although he welcomed the announcement that a public meeting would take place, Mr Fell said PSD had not engaged in open dialogue with those concerned about this sensitive issue.

‘Any displacement of the runway to the west is nothing short of an extension,’ he said.

‘Hopefully, we will get to hear more about what options are under consideration and, hopefully, we will hear about options that do not necessarily require an extension of the runway to achieve what is needed.’

Mr Fell said it was vital the public meeting was well attended.