AN ‘at risk’ homeless shelter in County Durham that houses ex-servicemen could get a new lease of life after a private landlord has stepped in to try and save the accommodation.

St Peter’s Court in Sacriston, was put into administration over the weekend, after the charity that runs it, Shaid, entered financial difficulty.

The homeless facility, which has serviced the area since 2011 with 16-self-contained flats, provides a place to stay for veterans that have fallen on hard times – having cared for 156 referrals over the last 11 years with employment, outdoor activities, training, and counselling.

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Working with the Royal British Legion, local authorities, mental health agencies and prison services, St Peter’s Court has been a vital service for those that have come out of the army, or for those that have struggled to adjust to modern life after leaving their military career.

As The Northern Echo reported yesterday (February 21), St Peter’s Court has appointed Ian Nairn and Mike Dillon, of Leonard Curtis Business Solutions Group, as joint administrators of the accommodation for ex-service personnel – leading to the prospect of leaving dozens of veterans homeless.

However, 24-hours after running the story, the future of the shelter is looking brighter.

The Northern Echo: St Peter's Court fell into administration after owners of the sheltered housing, Shaid, announced they were in financial difficulties. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.St Peter's Court fell into administration after owners of the sheltered housing, Shaid, announced they were in financial difficulties. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

After being contacted by private landlord, Les Ojugbana, who has a track record of managing veteran facilities, St Peter’s could soon have a new owner.

Mr Ojugbana, who has five years’ experience with Veterans in Crisis (Sunderland), has helped ex-military men in similar scenarios and now wants to contact the current operators of St Peter’s Court to solve their problems.

This includes buying the property and keeping the veterans in their home – something that the landlord is keen to do to preserve the mental wellbeing of those currently staying there.

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He said: “As soon as the article came up – I was tagged on social media and a lot of people got in touch about how I could turn around St Peter’s Court.

“At this stage, I can’t rule anything out and I want to use my experience with veterans to help those in County Durham. I’ll have to look at how it’s currently funded, whether it can be a viable option in the future and how else I can assist.

“I couldn’t let it close without doing something. When you split up veterans, especially if they’ve spent a lot of time with one another, it puts a big strain on them. It needs to be saved and I’ll be starting a conversation with the administrators at the current owners as soon as possible.

The Northern Echo: Private landlord, Les Ojugbana, has a track record of managing veteran facilities. Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND.Private landlord, Les Ojugbana, has a track record of managing veteran facilities. Picture: UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND.

“I have a track record of turning places around when they’ve sustained a poor financial past – hopefully it can be the case this time too.”

Alongside Mr Ojugbana’s involvement in St Peter’s Court, administrators, Leonard Curtis confirmed that they were continuing to work with Shaid and Durham County Council on a solution to rehome the veterans.

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

The Northern Echo: Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham (second from left) opens St Peter's Court in 2011. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham (second from left) opens St Peter's Court in 2011. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

Lee Alexander, Durham County Council’s head of adult care, added: “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 accomodation and support those affected.”

North Durham MP, Kevan Jones, who opened the sheltered housing in 2011, has also committed to helping St Peter’s Court – which he has described as “a troubling situation”.

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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