27 March 2009
Visiting Military groups are to resume using the former youth hostel, Haut de la Garenne, for accommodation during exercises in Jersey.
The Youth Hostel Association has decided not to return to the centre, parts of which were subject to major excavations during last year's police investigation. However some rooms in the building have been virtually unaffected and reopening sections of the centre will allow military groups to visit the Island for community projects and training exercises.
Among the first to make use of the building will be a group of TA Royal Engineers who are joining their Island comrades for two weeks of work in the Island in June.
Senator Terry le Sueur supports the re-opening of Haut de la Garenne. He said: "The accommodation could attract a steady flow of military visitors during the summer so both the Island and the UK Armed Forces benefit from the arrangement."
A report is being prepared by the States Property Holdings department on the future use of Haut de la Garenne and is due to be presented to the Council of Ministers for consideration next month.
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