HEATED exchanges were commonplace during yesterday’s Alderney States meeting.

Several members asked why approval was being sought for a survey of the Commercial Quay’s upper berth when one had already been carried out.

Ian Tugby accused the Commercial Quay project board, which comprises Colin Williams, Richard Willmott and Bill Walden, of jumping into spending £68,000 on the survey.

Boyd Kelly and John Beaman called for an independent inquiry into the £9.5m. project, while Peter Allen said everyone at the harbour knew the facility was in disarray and that the States had failed to put things right before the refurbishment begun.

Mr Walden said nobody had contacted the States about quay problems before the redevelopment and that Mr Allen should research his facts before speaking in public.

The survey was deemed necessary in June after divers discovered a significant hole in the foundations of the quay’s western side.

Yesterday evening, the States agreed to spend £68,000 on an initial survey, which has already been carried out, and £100,000 on a more intrusive one should it be required. Only Mr Tugby and Mr Beaman voted against the item.