About 50 homes were evacuated on Saturday night (14th December), after Engineers found a pocket of gas and vented it. Residents reported a gas smell, resulting in investigation from Island Energy. Emergency services arrived at Clos Mourant, Le Squez Road in St. Clements. The cause of the gas leak has since been located.
Islanders were forced to leave their homes and not return until it was deemed safe to do so. They took refuge in friend’s and family’s houses, government appointed hotels and The Good Companions Club. The club is a charitable organisation for residents over 55+ to attend to take part in group activities, eat and socialise. Due to their location, which is near to the area but at a safe distance, they allowed residents to reside in their building and provided food and utilities to them until they were all appointed hotels for the night.
Locals on Facebook reported that Children who lived in the same estate however in unaffected areas, came to help and comfort those who were affected. One post said that a 13-year-old girl heard a young child cry because they had left their teddy in the evacuated building- the girl then ran to her house and brought out one of her own teddies to comfort the scared and upset child. It’s occasions like this that show the real kindness amongst Jersey residents, especially the youth.
It has since been made safe for these islanders to return to their homes and Island Energy will continue to monitor the issue to ensure the safety of residents. Being such a large social housing estate, it will be closely investigated for the reassurance of those who live in the area.
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