ELDERLY islanders face continuing to endure damp, draughty conditions after plans for a building that would have housed a new Russels Day Centre were rejected.

The proposed facility would have formed part of a £2.5m. project for a new St Peter Port Constables’ office at Les Cotils.

But when ratepayers and electors threw out those plans on Monday, hopes for an improved Russels – including a modern kitchen, dining room, lounge, nurses’ room, a hairdresser and toilets – were also dashed.

The WRVS runs the centre as a meeting place for older islanders but Health and Social Services is in charge of its upkeep.

Prior to the latest proposals, the department spent £232,513 on plans to build a new centre on the site. It was due to go out to tender in 2005 but the scheme was later scrapped due to lack of funding. Since then, other projects have taken priority.

HSSD chief officer David Hughes said there were now no plans in place. ‘It is impossible to say at the moment what will happen regarding the Russels. Discussions will need to take place with various parties – in particular the WRVS, who are running an excellent day care centre there.’

He said the current building, which suffers from draughts, leaks and poor insulation, did not meet HSSD standards. ‘Generally, the fabric of the building is in a very poor condition,’ he said.

WRVS Bailiwick organiser Lorna Hooley said the centre would continue to provide a place for older islanders to meet but she added that they were desperate for new facilities.