Storm Ciarán leaves Jersey veterans in temporary housing

In November 2023, Storm Ciarán caused significant damage to a veterans' housing estate in Jersey, leaving six homes in Princess Elizabeth Court uninhabitable. Ten months later, residents are still living in temporary accommodation, with repairs yet to be completed. Trevor Fosse, one of the affected veterans, expressed his frustration over the prolonged wait, stating that the situation has disrupted his life and raised concerns about the upcoming winter. The Haig Housing Trust, responsible for housing veterans, has faced challenges in sourcing contractors and materials to carry out the necessary repairs. Bill Lindsay from the trust acknowledged that the contractor base in Jersey has struggled to keep up with the demand for repairs following the storm. Despite these difficulties, the trust has committed to having all tenants back in their homes by the end of October. Residents like Donna Charleston have voiced their disappointment over the slow progress, highlighting safety concerns regarding the ongoing repairs. She questioned the preparedness of the housing estate for future storms or emergencies, given the current state of the properties. To address the situation, the Haig Housing Trust plans to invest £1 million over the next six months to modernize its properties in Jersey. This investment aims to improve the living conditions for veterans and ensure that they are better protected against future adverse weather events.