Sark Electricity welcomes government bid 'if fair'
BBCThe owner of Sark Electricity Limited (SEL) says he is willing to sell the business to the island's government should negotiations be entered "in good faith".
Alan Witney-Price said on Friday he would not sell the firm to the island's Chief Pleas, but said he changed his mind after listening to the views of residents.
Mr Witney-Price's comments come as the States of Guernsey has agreed to progressing agreeing conditions for a £1.5m loan for Chief Pleas to buy SEL.
Sark's government said it was "pleased" by the offer and it was "looking forward" to starting negotiations.
Deal fell through
John Guille, Chairman of Sark's Policy and Finance Committee (P&F) previously said the loan from Guernsey would be enough to buy the firm for £500,000 and carry out the first phase of vital safety upgrades.
Mr Witney-Price maintained he would not sell at a "discounted rate" but would consider negotiations with Sark's government.
He had also previously voiced concerns over the loan's conditions, which included a review of the island's taxation.
However, after having received "very positive letter" from a resident expressing a need for social reform on the island, Mr Witney-Price said he changed his mind.
"I understand that, in the absence of an economic environment in Sark, something needs to be done," he said.
It comes after the power boss saw a £2.4m in-principle deal with financial technology company Island Power to buy the business fall through.
The deal was dependent on the takeover gaining support from Chief Pleas, which it did not, and timed out on 30 April.
He also previously criticised Guernsey States for approving the loan, claiming deputies did so in the knowledge it would "sink" the deal with Island Power.
A spokesperson for Sark's Chief Pleas said it was "pleased" to receive an offer to negotiate for the purchase of SEL.
"We have responded in a positive manner and look forward to commencing negotiations as soon as possible," it said.
Guernsey States has been contacted to comment on the dispute.
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