THE first residents are moving into the island’s newest housing development at the Grand Bouet.

The first block to be finished at the Guernsey Housing Association’s Hougue a la Perre site includes five purpose-built units for disabled and elderly people. It was completed three months ahead of schedule.

Dave Winch, GHA’s project manager, said construction had to be speeded up as some families were living in substandard conditions and required emergency housing.

Simon Oakley, managing director of contractor Charles Le Quesne Guernsey, praised the dedication of the men involved.

‘Everyone just mucked in,’ he said. ‘It’s great that people did this. The GHA is living up to its name now. Would a profit-making business do this? No.’

The flats have features to make them more accessible for disabled residents.

The ceilings have been reinforced to cope with hoists and the hobs and sink in the kitchen can easily be raised or lowered to suit the users’ requirements.

‘A lot of thought has gone into this. The GHA realises the need for this type of housing now,’ said Mr Winch.

‘It has not really been provided before to be honest,’ Mr Oakley said.