Use reserves for storm recovery, ministers urged

Ministers are being urged to use the Strategic Reserve to help islanders recover from Storm Ciarán

Ministers are being urged to use cash reserves to fund recovery efforts in the wake of Storm Ciarán.

Trinity Connétable Philip Le Sueur said there was some "really heavy lifting" to be done across the island to return to normal following the devastation caused by the storm.

The Strategic Reserve, commonly known as The Rainy Day Fund, stands at £922m, according to the latest account figures.

Chief Minister Kristina Moore said on Tuesday that recovery efforts would take some time to complete.

Islanders have reported extensive damage to their homes

The government said it was still paying for about 50 islanders to stay in hotel accommodation.

Many islanders, particularly in the eastern part of Jersey which was hit by a tornado, have reported extensive damage to their properties.

Mr Le Sueur said now was an appropriate time to dip into the reserve.

He said: "What is it there for if it's not a rainy day when we have a storm like this?

"There's some really heavy lifting that's got to be done by a number of people and some serious repairs that are going to be enormously expensive for people to cope with, particular in difficult times like this.

"I think consideration should be given to the use of that fund."

Terry De Ste Croix, who lives at Fliquet, is among the residents who are struggling in the wake of the storm.

He said the past few days had been "hell".

"It's hard but we've just had to persevere and get over it," he said.

Caroline Germain, from St Mary, believes she got off lightly - despite her car being crushed and being without power for a week.

"I have seen what the rest of the island looks like," she said.

"I'm incredibly lucky."

Angela Mitchell, who owns a farm in Grouville, said parts of her property had been torn apart "like matchsticks".

"We lost some big trees but we could cope with it, but this, I don't know how we will cope with it," she said.

Mr De Ste Croix, who has lived in Fliquet for more than 50 years, said he was desperate to return to his home.

He added: "It's a nice area but, as you can see, it's probably quite some time before we get back here."

Ms Moore said islanders who were not in government-funded hotel accommodation were being supported by their home insurance policies.

She said said further support was being given by the Bailiff’s Fund for those badly affected by the storm.

She said of recovery efforts: "It will be a long-term job."