The Mont Cuet tip temperature is checked.

THE Public Services Department has said a 25% increase in expenditure last year was largely down to having to spend £1m. tackling an underground fire at Mont Cuet.

The annual States accounts published last week showed overall net spending increased by nearly £2m. to £9.75m., but the department still came in at 4% under its £10m. budget.

Public Services has also seen its income from gate fees at Mont Cuet and Longue Hougue fall by £400,000 because islanders are recycling more and less waste is being sent to landfill. Spending on recycling initiatives has been increased by the same amount.

The loss made by Alderney Airport went up by nearly a quarter to £735,000 in 2009.

The accounts show income and expenditure for the department’s central services such as waste and sewage disposal and road maintenance only.

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