States housing residents meet Chief Minister

20 March 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday 17 March 2006 – for immediate release

States housing residents meet Chief Minister

Jersey’s Chief Minister will be talking to States housing residents and staff at the Housing Department next week as part of a programme of visits to States departments.

Senator Frank Walker is fulfilling a commitment he made to Island residents during his election bid for Chief Minister to find out first hand about the issues that concern them, and to learn in more detail about the work of States departments.

On Tuesday 21 March, the Senator will visit States housing estates at Le Squez, Le Marais, Princess Place, Sandybrook and Convent Court. He will talk to residents and their representatives about States housing and find out more about their needs and concerns.

The Chief Minister will also meet one of the long-term States tenants who recently bought a newly built States house at Le Squez, along with 17 other families.

‘I want to hear directly from residents about their priorities and what more can be done to improve their quality of life, and I particularly want to talk to people who’ve bought their own States homes to find out what they think about the process and the benefits,’ said Senator Walker.

‘There’s a huge amount of good work being carried out at the Housing Department towards the Council of Minister’s strategic aim of providing a good standard of secure and affordable accommodation for all, he added. ‘I also want to hear the views of staff; find out what their ideas and concerns are, and learn more about future plans for investment in the maintenance and refurbishment of the States-owned social housing stock.’

ENDS

More information

For further information or comment / interviews please contact the Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker on 440400 from Monday 20 March. You’re more than welcome to join the Chief Minister at the start of his visits to States housing estates and film/record etc. Please meet at Le Squez at 1.45 pm, in front of the new houses in Phase 1A, opposite the Eastern Good Companions Club. Alternatively, meet at Le Marais at 2.15 pm.

Housing programme Tuesday 21 March 2006

10.30 am Jubilee Wharf	Presentation on the Housing Department to include lunch and attendance by a number of residents representing Residents Associations etc.
1.30 pm – site visits - minibus	1. Le Squez / Le Marais / Hodge
	2. Princess Place
	3. Convent Court
	4. Sandybrook