'Wrong place' housing scheme is defended

HOUSING is tearing down sound family homes so that bungalows for the older tenants can be built in the wrong place, according to a former estate agent and builder.

Pat Donaldson said he had visited the Mont Arrive estate, where 10 States houses are to make way for 15 Guernsey Housing Association bungalows. 'They are in good condition. There's no cracks and the roofs are good. It's silly to knock them down. You would not pull down a cottage just because of its age.'

But Housing minister Dave Jones said the 80-year-old homes had reached the end of their useful life. Refurbishment would cost around £100,000 and surveys showed a need for more one- and two-bedroom properties for older tenants.

'We need new housing that meets modern standards not only in terms of living space, but which will also reduce the levels of energy needed to heat and power these homes,' said Deputy Jones.