Cheshire Home needs funds to fix leaky roof
Some residents of the Cheshire Home have buckets in their rooms to catch leaking water.
Staff believe that the leaks first started shortly after Storm Ciaran last year, but have been getting steadily worse.
The main area of leaking is in one of the corridors, although a bin is constantly situated under a leak in one resident’s bedroom, and there is a large hole is in the ceiling of the bathroom of another. Repairs are thought to be set to cost in the region of £7,000 and the charity is working to raise funds for an urgent fix.
‘The longer we leave it, the more damage it is going to do,’ said maintenance manager Stuart Wherry.
‘There’s bits and pieces I’ve done to try and maintain it, but it’s got to the point where it needs to be done properly.’
It is thought that some of the boards in the ceiling are rotten, which may require the whole area to be replaced.
The Guernsey Cheshire Home houses 11 full-time residents of various ages with severe disabilities. There are buckets on standby throughout the home in the case of heavy rain.
‘Most of the residents are used to it, as bits and pieces have needed to be done over the years simply because of the age of the building, but stuff like this can definitely be upsetting to them,’ said home manager Mary Ellen Carter.
The home recently received a £2,000 grant from the Coop Autumn Community Fund, which will go towards the work.
‘I was so thrilled when we got it, it just makes everything a little bit easier,’ said Mrs Carter.
‘Sometimes we have favours from local companies who will carry out the work for free, but if we need to pay for it then this will make a huge difference.’
The Guernsey Cheshire Home must raise £1.4m. each year to keep the home running, not including unexpected works such as roof repairs.
The charity hosts and takes part in fundraising events throughout the year such as the Havelet Regatta, Pancake Day at the Town Church and the Boxing Day Swim, but does not receive government funding.
Anyone who wishes to donate and contribute towards the roof works can do so here, or they can contact the home by calling 01481 720578.
