A HOMELESS shelter in County Durham will be closing later this year after the company that own it fell into administration – leaving dozens of veterans without accommodation.

Since April 2011, St Peter’s Court in Sacriston has provided 16 self-contained flats for veterans that have fallen on hard times – caring for the people that served the country and teaching them to be independent of the service.

Over the course of the last decade, the charity who run it, Shaid, has seen 156 referrals from the Royal British Legion, local authorities, mental health agencies and prison services and has helped with employment, outdoor activities, training, and counselling.

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However, yesterday (February 17), it was announced that St Peter’s Court would be entering into administration after going into financial difficulty while owning the facility.   

Iain Nairn and Mike Dillon, of Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group, have been appointed Joint Administrators of the accommodation for ex-service personnel.

Commenting, the Joint Administrators said that they were continuing to run the supported living accommodation for the residents across the various sites affected.

The Northern Echo: St Peter's Court in Sacriston has seen 156 referrals over its operational time. It has 16 self-contained flats within the facility. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.St Peter's Court in Sacriston has seen 156 referrals over its operational time. It has 16 self-contained flats within the facility. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

They said: “Where rehousing is required, we are working closely with Durham County Council’s housing team to ensure minimum disruption for residents.”

After revealing that the sheltered service would be closing, Durham County Council has called it a “difficult decision” and is currently working with St Peter’s Court to try and rehome as many veterans as possible.

Lee Alexander, Durham County Council’s head of adult care, said: “We are aware of the difficult decision that has been made to close services in County Durham. We are liaising with SHAID to identify alternative accommodation and support those affected.”

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However, it’s not as easy as just sending people to different housing services after making a bond with other people who live there, according to one of the residents of St Peter’s court.

The ex-military man, who moved into the facility last year and doesn’t wish to be named, said: “Since the decision was made to close St Peter’s Court, the mood has become different, and everyone is slightly worried that we’ll all be split up. We’ve created a bond here and we enjoy it.

“We got to find out about the decision just before Christmas – and I’m hoping that another accommodation will become available soon.”

The Northern Echo: Kevan Jones MP opened St Peter's Court in 2011. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Kevan Jones MP opened St Peter's Court in 2011. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

Concerns on the closure of St Peter’s Court have also been raised by North Durham MP, Kevan Jones, who opened the sheltered housing in 2011.

Mr Jones has revealed that he’s “deeply concerned about the closure of the project,” but has revealed that he’s working with Durham County Council and veterans charities on rehoming as many veterans as possible.

He said: “The veterans who live at St Peter’s Court are understandably deeply concerned about the closure of the project, and a number of them have contacted me. 

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“At this point, the priority is to find suitable housing for the residents, and to ensure that they are offered the support they need.  I am aware that other veterans’ charities have offered to help, and that the County Council Housing solutions team is working actively to find new homes for my constituents.  

“I will continue to monitor the situation and seek to ensure that the organisation is wound down in an orderly fashion and that the impact on tenants is minimised.”

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