Hotel accommodation offered to gas leak evacuees

Properties have been evacuated in the Le Geyt Estate area of Jersey

About 50 residents evacuated from their homes in Jersey due to a gas leak have been offered hotel accommodation, officials have said.

The Government of Jersey said families from 21 Andium properties were evacuated on Wednesday afternoon in the Le Geyt area of St Saviour.

It said Island Energy engineers were working to locate the leak in mains pipework in the road.

Residents were able to return to their properties to collect vital belongings, said the government.

Islanders were asked to avoid the area while investigations take place

Dominique Caunce, policy lead at Andium Homes, said about 50 residents in total had been evacuated and all had either been offered accommodation or sought their own alternative housing.

"Our priority always is just to make sure they are somewhere safe for the night," she said.

"We find people are generally very appreciative of any help they can get."

She said Island Energy were still on site investigating the issue, while the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service was remaining at the scene as a precaution.

Dominique Caunce from Andium Homes said she was pleased residents had been offered accomodation

Islanders were advised to continue avoiding the area, the government said.

There is no gas supply in the affected building, it added.

Island Energy said the area was being monitored for safety reasons.

"We are doing everything possible to get them back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible," it said.

"Our team follow a very strict policy and procedure in the event of a gas escape and, when called to attend, use highly sensitive gas detection equipment, and follow a thorough investigation process on all call outs.

"We would like to thank the residents of the area for their understanding and co-operation."