People wrapped in bedclothes flee late-night fire at vinery

By Anna Brehaut


Merton Vinery, Pointes Lane.
PEOPLE wrapped in bedding dashed to safety when fire struck at a Pointes Lane vinery late on Saturday night, it has been revealed.
A St Andrew’s resident said she had seen five people run out of a greenhouse with bedding and duvets wrapped around them.
‘They sneaked out and tried not to be seen,’ she said. The Environment Department is expected to confirm today whether an inquiry has been launched into foreign staff sleeping at Merton Vinery.
There have been reports that they were sleeping in a greenhouse. Environment yesterday confirmed that it was investigating allegations that sheds at a vinery were being used for non-horticultural purposes.
Following Saturday’s fire in a packing shed at the vinery, the Guernsey Press received reports that it had been let and was being used for storage by Sails Gift Shop.
Merton Vinery owner Bruce Tostevin declined to comment on the allegations (from thisisguernsey)

It sounds like the owner of the site has a lot to answer for...

Oh dear ! We all knew this was going on , the trouble is it is highly dangerous as no one knows they were there. IE if you saw a house on fire you are more likely to try to gain access to help people out but if you see a shed or greenhouse on fire you are more likely to stand and watch.

If this turns out to be true i would hope the Environment Dept throws the book at the owners .

Digger wrote:Oh dear ! We all knew this was going on , the trouble is it is highly dangerous as no one knows they were there. IE if you saw a house on fire you are more likely to try to gain access to help people out but if you see a shed or greenhouse on fire you are more likely to stand and watch.

If this turns out to be true i would hope the Environment Dept throws the book at the owners .

I visited the site some weeks ago and suspected that this packing shed was being used as living quarters. I wish now I had done the right thing and reported my suspisions.

I know it is easy to say after the fact but in this case a word in the appropriate ear might have come to some good.I know a lot of people don't like to stick their noses in but in circumstances like these it would be better to be safe than sorry.

What ever the reasons no one should should be doing this it is very dangerous and is not fair on the people who are living in very sub standard accommodation.

THE Environment Department has launched an investigation into claims that foreign workers have been sleeping in greenhouses at Merton Vinery.
The department confirmed that it was looking into an alleged use of part of the premises for residential accommodation after inquiries by the Guernsey Press highlighted the issue.
Housing minister Dave Jones said he was aware of the claims made about foreign workers sleeping in a vinery in Pointes Lane, St Andrew’s, which is owned by Bruce Tostevin.
‘While the Housing Department will not comment on individual cases, it investigates all allegations relating to people who might be living or working unlawfully in the island,’ said a spokesman for the department.
‘Where there is evidence of people living or working unlawfully, the appropriate action is taken in all instances.’
Claims were made about Merton Vinery after a fire broke out in a packing shed on Saturday night. A parishioner reported that she had seen five people flee from the greenhouse with duvets and bedding wrapped around them. (from thisisguernsey)

Digger wrote:I know it is easy to say after the fact but in this case a word in the appropriate ear might have come to some good.I know a lot of people don't like to stick their noses in but in circumstances like these it would be better to be safe than sorry.

What ever the reasons no one should should be doing this it is very dangerous and is not fair on the people who are living in very sub standard accommodation.

I agree...a lesson learnt for me.

Any update yet ?

I cant believe no one has been held accountable for this yet what is taking so long ?

Thanks for clearing that one up Dave , but i would suggest it does go on now and again ! What i would suggest is a statement to the media when it was investigated to state the outcome of the inquiry to stop the gossip.

Yes - my Latvian friend used to work for the Thompson and Morgan flower people in St Sampsons - she had to pay for her lodgings which was in a house at the bottom of the Vale Hill - for £40 (four years ago) she got a bunk bed in a room with 5 other workers......and incidently, until she met me she had never heard of re-cycling!!!! she was shocked because she said all bottles etc from those premises went into the general rubbish......and I would say quite a lot of this happens with these 9 month licence guest workers........someone should sort that out!!!!

Karma I agree with the point you makeWe have some legislation coming before the States this year to bring in minum standards for guest workers accomodation, some of it is appaling and we will make sure that those living in this type of accomodation are treated properly, if the owners do not comply then we will have the powers through the Enviromental health department to close these places down.

Digger, I should have made a more detailed statment at the time when our investgations were complete ,I was busy at the time and I didnt and I accept I am at fault on that issue.

Dave,

Will the guest workers accommodation legislation extend to staff quarters for hotels & restaurants? Some of the ones that I have been in over the years are appalling!!

Dave i was not laying the blame at you feet , it would have thought anyone from your department could have issued a statement , i know you are busy and things like that could be handed down the line.

Hopefully Dave will come back soon and provide his view, I will look forward to what he has to contribute!

Yes Dell, the legislation will apply to staff quaters in hotels ,guest houses etc, infact any staff quaters from any bussiness it is long overdue and I think it will recieve overwhelming support from the floor of the house.

Digger that is also true.

Dave Jones

Spellings not good, its been a long day

DJ