Storm Damage

We’re sure many of you are aware that, during Storm Eowyn, one of our homes in Tranent had its roof blown off.  Fortunately, no one was in the house when this happened, and no one was injured.  We sent R3 operatives out under our emergency procedures (sending staff out during a Red Weather Warning is only done if there is an emergency), who cleared the area and stabilised the building.

We then arranged to have surveyors inspect several homes in the area and found that while most were fine, four homes had been significantly affected by the storm (two semi-detached blocks).

These homes will need to remain unoccupied until we can arrange works to rectify the issues.  As we don’t hold any emergency accommodation in our housing stock we had to work with East Lothian Council initially, who are responsible for providing this and all tenants have now been moved to alternative temporary accommodation.

Repairing these homes is going to take some time. We need to make an insurance claim, request further specialist reports and then agree and arrange the structural work.   The properties have now been secured, do not pose a danger to the public but are considered building sites, so we do advise people to stay away from the buildings.

It is important to remember that this damage was caused during a Red Weather Warning.  Red Weather Warnings are a rare occurrence, and this level of damage is even rarer.  Our homes must all meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standards, and are built to withstand the worst that Scottish weather can throw at them.  If you are worried that your home had any damage done during the storm and you haven’t reported it yet, please let us know, or use the Repair Booking service in your My Home account.