Two Alderney pubs are offering free soft drinks to designated drivers. Pictured are Terri Marriner, landlady of the Coronation Inn, and PC Andy Du Four, of Alderney Police. (0890787)

Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT) suggested the idea to the General Services Committee (GSC), which backed it unanimously.

AWT conservation officer Keris Burt said: ‘The aim is to create woodland which will be accessible to the whole community, provide amenity value and eventually become a sustainable resource for local residents.’

Islanders will be invited to suggest ideas for the site early next year.

Keris added: ‘We will talk to the community before any planning starts. The first phase of the planting will be centred on Kommandant’s Bunker, which will undergo further renovations to make it a focal point of the area. It is hoped the first phase will get underway by the end of February.’

Approximately 16,000 trees will be planted in phases. Businesses and individuals will be invited to sponsor trees, while a memorial area is also planned. The cost of development is estimated at £2 per tree.

Keris said: ‘People will be surprised how quickly the area changes. Some species, like birch, only take about 12 years to mature.’

States engineer Julie Turner said that the GSC wholeheartedly supported AWT’s proposal for the area of States land.

‘It makes complete sense that a small donation from the States to purchase trees is matched by volunteer time and manpower to create this woodland for the benefit of everybody.

‘The work to develop the bunker is a continuation of the great effort put in by the 30th Signals on that bunker during their last visit. It is great that groups such as the Signals and AWT are working to help the island in this way.’

Two island pubs are offering free soft drinks to designated drivers.

The Coronation Inn, in High Street, and Marais Hall, in Marais Square, are taking part in the scheme until New Year’s Eve.

Both pubs are owned by the Liberation Group, which is rolling the scheme out across the Channel Islands.

To qualify, drivers must take at least two people to either of the pubs and make themselves known to staff in order to receive a free J2O or Pepsi.

Terri Marriner, landlady of the Coronation Inn, said the scheme had proved popular in recent years.

‘Most of our regulars walk here but we get a few groups from the bottom end of town who drive up. We gave quite a few drinks away last year.’

PC Andy Du Four, of Alderney Police, said the idea helps reinforce the force’s drink driving message.

‘It is very important that people don’t drink and drive,’ he said. ‘Christmas is a time you should be spending with your family and loved ones. You don’t want to be involved in an accident through drink driving where you could end up seeing your family in hospital. Remaining safe is imperative.

‘The free soft drinks scheme helps to reinforce the message that drink driving won’t be tolerated and shows licensees are being responsible.’