Government Update from 05 November 2023

• Work from home tomorrow if you can, travel with care if you can’t 
• Islanders who can work from home should do so to ease congestion tomorrow 
• Some school bus and walking routes may have changed 
• Household recycling services closed as normal tomorrow and Tuesday to help cope with huge amount of green and commercial waste 

Travel  

People are still advised to travel with care, using main routes, where possible, as some parish routes remain impassable or will only be passable in one direction. As a result, congestion and delays will occur in some areas so Islanders are advised to leave more time for journeys and be conscious of road conditions. 

If you can work from home tomorrow, please do so as this will help us to reduce traffic, though we understand that as we return to normal business operations there will need to be travel. 

School buses and school travel 

The school bus service will resume tomorrow (Monday) morning, but some routes have been changed due to there being no safe bus access on certain roads. Some of the usual stops are not reachable, so Islanders are encouraged to check libertybus.je for the latest information on specific services.  

All Islanders should take care when travelling to school or college due to debris which remains on smaller roads and on walkways. This is especially the case for those using Wellington Road, where debris remains on pavements, and for those who walk through the grounds of Victoria College to access surrounding schools. 

The three schools that are closed tomorrow due to storm damage (Samarès School, Hautlieu School, and Victoria College Jersey) have contacted parents directly. 

Infrastructure and Environment 

Islanders are reminded that public carpark charging resumes from tomorrow (Monday) morning. 

The Household Recycling Centre and Household Green Waste drop off at La Collette will be closed as normal on Monday and Tuesday. I&E staff will need to manage the expected high volumes of commercial deliveries to La Collette over the coming days. Additional colleagues were drafted in to work through the weekend to process the large amounts of green waste being received and to accept commercially delivered material. 

Coronation Park and Howard Davis Park suffered storm damage in mid-week and will remain closed until the trees are made safe. 

Safety  

While we appreciate the efforts of residents to help with the clear-up, the safety of everyone is our top priority.  

The Railway Walk area is closed and remains unsafe due to fallen trees, debris, and other hazards. At this stage, only professionals equipped with the necessary skills, training, and equipment should undertake this work. We have teams who are working tirelessly to clear areas and make them safe as quickly and as safely as possible. 

Displaced residents  

Over 150 displaced residents remain in hotel accommodation after being evacuated from their homes. We continue to provide families with practical and emotional support. 

Helpline  

The Storm Ciarán Helpline (01534 612222) will close at 5pm this evening. From tomorrow (Monday) morning, please contact the following for help and support:  

·       Customer and Local Services (including Housing Advice Service), 01534 444444 or email [email protected]  

·       Children and Family Hub, 01534 519000 or email [email protected]  

·       For a mental health crisis, call 01534 445290  

·       Your Parish Halls for community help and support  

·       In an emergency, please call 999 

·       Report fallen trees to Love Jersey lovejersey.gov.je    

Food supplies  

The Commodore Goodwill and Clipper both docked in Jersey this weekend. Fresh food and deliveries are now being distributed to stores. 

Weather  

Jersey Met has confirmed that the weather forecast remains unsettled this week with wet and windy weather over the Channel Islands.  

While winds today and into the week are not as severe as Storm Ciarán, many structures and trees may be unstable and fragile. With further rainfall and showers, the ground conditions may also cause issues weakening tree roots further. 

For the latest weather forecast visit www.gov.je/weather